Celtic’s European struggles deepen after third straight Europa League defeat

Celtic have lost their first three Europa League matches and sit 35th of 36 teams after surrendering a lead in a 2-1 defeat by Celta Vigo. The latest European setback has renewed questions over whether Martin O’Neill’s side can compete at this level.

Celtic went ahead through Mika Baur shortly after half-time, but Javi Rodríguez scored twice in three minutes to turn the match around. It was their fourth consecutive European defeat, during which they have conceded 14 goals.

O’Neill pointed to two turning points: a free-kick awarded before Celta’s equaliser, which he felt should have gone Celtic’s way, and a Liam Scales header that struck the top of the bar with Celtic leading 1-0. He said a second goal might have changed the match, but added that his side had to find a way to win European games.

Former Scotland forward James McFadden said Celtic’s performances in Europe had not been good enough, arguing that the players’ confidence fell when setbacks came. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner said the team lacked the individual and collective quality to match Celta, who are eighth in Spain’s La Liga.

The defeat followed Celtic’s 7-1 win over Hearts in the Scottish Premiership. Their European struggles also follow a collapse in Champions League qualifying: after taking a 4-0 aggregate lead over LASK, Celtic conceded five goals in 77 minutes and dropped into the Europa League.

Celtic remain in contention to progress, O’Neill said, but face a demanding task: they must win both their next home and away matches. Their next Europa League game is against Beşiktaş on 5 November.