Celtic were left to rue a baffling VAR decision as they fell to disappointing 2-0 defeat to Braga in the Europa League in Glasgow.
The subdued Celtic Park atmosphere fell into grumbled silence when Ricardo Horta’s long-range drive after 21 minutes somehow squirmed beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel for the game’s opening goal, and a laboured performance from Brendan Rodgers’ side saw them struggle to truly recover, with the visitors doubling the lead through Gabri Martínez on 86 minutes.
The Hoops thought they had levelled shortly after the break when Kelechi Iheanacho slid underneath Lukáš Horníček for, what would have been, his third goal in five games. However, the Celtic crowd were left bemused when the Nigerian’s strike was ruled out for handball, despite replays appearing to show he had used his head.
The hardworking Sebastian Tounekti almost levelled scores with an excellent solo run, only for Horníček to palm away for a corner. It wasn’t too be, though, for the hosts who have gone two games without a goal for the first time since December 2024.
The defeat sees Celtic fall to 27th in the Europa League table, with a home clash against Sturm Graz up next for Rodgers’ side on October 23.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated the performance of each Celtic player in the 2-0 defeat to Braga at Parkhead:
5. Kieran Tierney - 5
The lung-bursting runs down the left are infrequent, and he simply doesn't look 100% at present. Switched positions at the break, and was unlucky with a far post header. Tierney has faded quickly in games since his return, which will be a concern for Rodgers, who would have hoped he'd be fully up to speed by now. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Callum McGregor - 6
Started the game with more zip in his game than he has done in recent weeks, but still not putting in the type of displays Celtic have come to rely on over the last decade. | PA Photo: PA
7. Paulo Bernardo - 6
Given a surprise start by Rodgers, but didn't really grasp the opportunity in the way he'd have hoped. Did little wrong, but the Portuguese midfielder wasn’t able to get Celtic going in the middle. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Benjamin Nygren - 4
Had no real impact on the game at all, which largely passed him by. Almost completely anonymous. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group