Celtic’s next opponents come in the shape of Portuguese outfit Sporting Braga who are our visitors at Celtic Park on match-day two of our Europa League campaign this Thursday in the early evening kick-off…
Outside Celtic Park, 27 September 2025 ahead of the Celtic v Hibs match. Photo The Celtic Star
The game kicks off in the unusual time slot of 5.45pm and if you think that’s early remember the last time we kicked off in an even earlier slot at Paradise in European competition four years ago when we beat Ferencvaros 2-0. That Europa League match under Ange Postecoglou actually started at 3.30pm on a school-day back on 19 October 2021.
The early kick-off (matchday three) was related to the COP26 climate summit that was to take place place in Glasgow a few weeks later, so neither Celtic or theRangers would be allowed to play at home on matchday four.
Fans of Celtic display a banner in protest against UEFA prior to the UEFA Europa League group G match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on October 19, 2021. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
As a result, both Glasgow sides had to re-arrange their Europa League matchday three games to be played at home. In an additional complication, Celtic and theRangers cannot play at home on the same night so with theRangers playing Brondby at Ibrox on the Thursday, Celtic were forced to play on Tuesday with an earlier kick-off time of 3.30pm due to the Champions League fixtures later that evening in the Europa League match.
Outside Celtic Park, 27 September 2025 ahead of the Celtic v Hibs match. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic posted this on the official Celtic FC website. “Clearly this is an unfortunate and unique set of circumstances driven by COP26. We fully understand the frustrations of our supporters. We can assure our fans that we have made significant representation at the highest levels to try and avoid this eventuality.
Fans of Celtic show their support prior to the UEFA Europa League group G match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on October 19, 2021. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“While these matters are totally outwith our control, once again we want our fans to know that we fully understand the frustration this may cause. However, we do hope you can still join us for each and every game at Celtic Park in this really exciting Group stage.
“We thank you sincerely for your continued support.”
Let’s hope we see a repeat result on Thursday as we aim to solidify a place in the top half of the Europa standings in our aim to automatically qualify for the last 16.
Sporting Braga are a well known name on the European scene, maybe not as famous as their Portuguese counterparts Benfica, Porto, and Sporting, but they are a decent side all the same.
The last time we faced the Portuguese side, indeed the only other time we’ve had the pleasure of facing them, was in a Champions League qualifier doubleheader back in 2010 when Neil Lennon’s side won 2-1 at Celtic Park thanks to goals from Gary Hooper and Efrain Juarez, but unfortunately were eliminated 4-2 on aggregate after a painful 3-0 loss in Portugal.
Carlos Vicens head coach of Sporting Braga during the UEFA Europe League League phase, Matchday 1, between Sporting Club de Braga and Feyenoord at Stadium Municipal of Braga on 24 September, 2025 in Braga Portugal Photo by Luis de la Mata / SportPix/Sipa/ USA
Currently sitting seventh in the Portuguese Premier Liga, slumped to a home defeat at the hands of Nacional at the weekend, but Carlos Vicens side made a winning start to their Europa League campaign with a single goal win over Feyenoord.
Braga fans, getting an autograph from the new transfer Gustaf Lagerbielke
As well as the obvious Gustaf Lagerbielke connection, ‘Os Arsenalistas’ boast some talented players, such as Uruguayan international midfielder Rodrigo Zalazar, Portuguese international winger Ricardo Horta and the evergreen 39 year old ultra experienced 146 capped Portugal international midfielder Joao Moutinho.
It will be a tough test for Brendan Rodgers and his players, but one we are more than capable of overcoming especially as Celtic has home advantage and hopefully enough in the stadium will provide that Celtic roar we are so used to hearing on big European occasions like this one.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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Every game can be regarded as a big game within our club, especially with the demands so high.
But there are games which can be regarded far higher, with the level of importance involved.
Why we remain without a win in the higher degree of importance matches, this calendar year, remains a mystery to myself?
Can understand far more, for the drop off last season, but continuing the same trend, within the start of this season is concerning imo.
With such a drop off in our consistency factor, then Thursday with Braga at home, in a europa league match, is far bigger match, than what was once considered.
Would say that we are now at a stage, where a big result is required for ourselves.
Not even talking about a winning margin, just a deserved victory will do.
Even in seasons now, it’s becoming harder to build momentum, due to international breaks these days.
Hardly helps matters when players are caught up with the intensity of world cup qualification campaign, this season.
Would like to think that momentum can be built up with the consistency factor increased, sooner than later at this stage now.
Hopefully Thursday is going to be the start of getting victory’s in our bigger matches, as this current trend has gone on to long for my liking anyway.