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:
9. Daizen Maeda - 5
Started on the right of the front three. Small bright moments in the performance, but still a million miles away from the type of Maeda performance Celtic fans have come to know and love. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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10. Sebastian Tounekti - 7
Powerful early runs showcased his ability to get bums off seats. Has impressed since his summer move from Hammarby. Went close with an angled shot on 13 minutes that stung the hands of Lukáš Horníček. Looked Celtic's 'most likely', and was their best player. A growing influence, he cast a lonely shadow as the only player that continued to try and probe. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Kelechi Iheanacho - 6
Was starved of service for the bulk of the evening, with little other than half chances to feed on. Took his disallowed 'goal' well, and was very unlucky to see it ruled out. | PA Photo: PA
12. Celtic substitutes:
Marcelo Saracchi - 5 (Made no difference on a poor night at Parkhead) - on HT Arne Engels, Reo Hatate, Dane Murray, James Forrest - N/A (Came on late in the game, and had no impact.) | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group