When Celtic Football Club hosted SC Braga on October 2, 2025, the expectation was a gritty European night, but the result turned into a bitter 0‑2 loss fuelled by a disputed VAR decision and a defensive lapse that left fans fuming.
What Went Wrong at Celtic Park?
From the first whistle, the Portuguese side pressed high. Ricardo Horta opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curling strike that left the crowd stunned. The goal, described by the match commentator as "stunning", gave Braga an early cushion.
The real flashpoint arrived in the 34th minute when Kelechi Iheanacho, the Nigerian forward, saw his effort ruled out for handball. Iheanacho protested passionately, insisting the ball struck his face, not his hand. "To be fair, that was an awful decision," he told the post‑match press conference, adding that the call "changed the game".
Manager Brendan Rodgers echoed that sentiment, lambasting the VAR process. "We changed the structure of the team, came out on the front foot, and I can't understand why the referee didn't review it properly," he said, highlighting the time it took for the decision to be confirmed.
The second goal, in the 68th minute, was a textbook defensive error. A cross from Braga's Gabri Martínez found the back post after Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel palmed the ball. Defender Dylan Murray attempted a clearance but inadvertently slotted it to Martínez, who slotted home to seal the victory.
Key Moments and Statistics
- Ricardo Horta (Braga) – 12' Goal (1‑0)
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic) – 34' Disallowed Goal (Handball?)
- Gabri Martínez (Braga) – 68' Goal (2‑0)
- Celtic possession: 48% vs Braga 52%
- Shots on target: Celtic 3, Braga 5
Despite the loss, Celtic created twelve genuine chances, with winger James Forrest and full‑back Kieran Tierney forcing several important saves from Braga's Lukáš Hrnčík (listed as goalkeeper in official sheets). But none found the net.
Reactions from the Dugout and the Stands
After the final whistle, a chorus of boos reverberated through the stands, a clear sign of mounting discontent among the Celtic faithful. Supporters, already agitated after a recent loss to a lower‑division side, made their displeasure audible, echoing broader frustrations about the club's recent European performances.
Rodgers addressed the media in a subdued tone, acknowledging the defensive mishap and the VAR controversy. "We have to learn from this," he said. "The fans deserve better, and we’ll work on the details before Sunday’s match."
Iheanacho, still visibly upset, vowed to bounce back. "We’re gutted, but we can’t dwell on it. We need to focus on Sunday and get a win," he declared.
What This Means for Both Campaigns
For Braga, the away win in Glasgow is a watershed moment in Group C, pushing them to the top of the table and giving them a cushion for the remaining fixtures. The Portuguese club, under the stewardship of manager Artur Jorge, now sits with five points after three matches, positioning themselves as early favorites for qualification.
Celtic, meanwhile, find themselves languishing with just one point, trailing Braga by four. The loss intensifies scrutiny on Rodgers, whose tenure has already been peppered with questions about tactical rigidity and squad rotation. The upcoming domestic league game on Sunday against Aberdeen will be a litmus test for the squad’s mental resilience.
Expert Take: VAR, Discipline and Tactical Flexibility
Football analyst Gordon Strachan weighed in on the VAR call, suggesting that the technology, while intended to aid fairness, sometimes creates “analysis paralysis.” He noted that in fast‑moving situations, the line between hand and face can be subjective, and referees must rely on multiple camera angles, which wasn’t apparently the case here.
Defensive coach John Collins highlighted Celtic’s lack of compactness on the right flank, pointing to Murray’s misplaced clearance as a symptom of broader structural issues. "The team needs to protect the space behind the full‑backs, especially against quick counters," he said.
Looking Ahead
Sunday's clash against Aberdeen offers Celtic a chance to claw back at least one point and rebuild confidence before the next Europa League fixture against Italian side Lazio on October 10. If Rodgers can tighten the backline and restore belief, the group stage may still be salvageable.
Braga will travel to face Rangers in a high‑stakes Scottish derby on October 16, a match that could cement their place at the top of the group or expose potential vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the disallowed goal affect Celtic's chances?
The disallowed goal would have levelled the score at 1‑1, altering the tactical balance. Instead, Celtic remained a goal behind, which forced them to chase the game and eventually exposed defensive frailties that led to Braga’s second goal.
What does this loss mean for Celtic’s Europa League hopes?
With only one point after two matches, Celtic now sit near the bottom of Group C. They must secure wins in the remaining four games to stay in contention for the knockout round, making every point critical.
Did Braga’s performance indicate a title challenge?
Braga’s disciplined defense and clinical finishing suggest they could be the surprise package of the group. Their three‑point win in hostile territory demonstrates an ability to handle pressure, a key trait for progressing beyond the group stage.
What are the fans’ main concerns after the defeat?
Supporters are frustrated by the perceived lack of tactical flexibility, the defensive errors leading to the second goal, and the controversial VAR decision that they feel cost the team a vital point.
When does Celtic have its next European match?
Celtic’s next Europa League fixture is scheduled for October 10, 2025, when they host Serie A side Lazio at Celtic Park.
Terrell Mack
Man, that VAR call really threw the vibe off at Celtic Park. I get why Rodgers was heated, but the lads still showed some grit early on. If you look at the press stats, Celtic had a decent chance count, so it's not all doom and gloom. Hopefully the coach can tighten that back line and we’ll see a better finish next week.
Dawn Waller
Wow, another "oh no" moment???! VAR decided to drop the ball on Celtic like it was playing peek‑a‑boo!!! Seriously, handball or not, that's the kind of drama you'd expect from a soap opera. Guess the referees needed a coffee break.
Mark Langdon
I feel the pain, brothers. That handball decision was a punch right in the gut, especially after that early goal from Horta. Still, you gotta give credit where it's due – Celtic pushed hard, creating twelve decent chances. The defensive lapse on that second goal was a textbook error, but it’s fixable. If the lads tighten up the right flank and keep the midfield compact, they can bounce back. Let’s keep supporting them, the season’s long.