The Daily Star Ireland
Celtic will welcome Braga to Celtic Park on October 2nd for a Europa League clash that is shaping up to be one of the highlights of Matchday 2. Both teams arrive with different momentum—Celtic earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Crvena Zvezda, while Braga narrowly defeated Feyenoord 1-0 in their opener.
Brendan Rodgers’ side, however, enters this fixture in strong domestic form, riding the confidence of a 4-0 demolition of Partick Thistle in the Premier Sports Cup and a gritty 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock. The Hoops have also tightened up defensively, conceding only once in their last five outings, a statistic that will give them belief against dangerous opposition.
Braga’s Mixed Form and Key Threats
Braga, under the leadership of Artur Jorge, continue to be unpredictable yet dangerous. Their qualification campaign showcased their attacking flair, dismantling Lincoln Red Imps 9-1 on aggregate. Yet consistency has been an issue in Portugal’s domestic league, where they were recently held 1-1 by Vitória SC and then slipped to a 0-1 defeat against Gil Vicente. Despite these stumbles, Braga’s firepower is not in doubt. Simon Banza has been their talisman in Europe, finding the net at key moments, while Al Musrati remains the heartbeat of midfield, linking play and dictating tempo. Their speed in transition and aerial strength from set pieces could be crucial weapons in Glasgow.
Tactical Battle at Celtic Park
Both managers are expected to stick with their preferred philosophies. Rodgers favors a possession-based, high-pressing system designed to pin opponents back and create overloads in wide areas. Jorge, on the other hand, often sets up Braga to absorb pressure before striking quickly on the counter. Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, who has been instrumental in controlling midfield flow and supplying chances, will need to be at his best, while Kyogo Furuhashi continues to lead the line with sharp movement and clinical finishing. Braga’s pressing and direct play could exploit any gaps left by Celtic pushing high, especially as fatigue sets in during the second half.
Prediction: A Tight, High-Stakes Encounter
While Braga have the tools to trouble Celtic, the Glasgow side’s home advantage and recent consistency make them slight favorites. Celtic Park’s atmosphere has historically been decisive in European nights, and with Rodgers’ men in rhythm, they are well-positioned to secure a narrow victory. A 2-1 scoreline for Celtic seems the most likely outcome—Kyogo breaking the deadlock, Banza striking back, and a late moment of quality from O’Riley or Turnbull tipping the scales.
Both clubs will view this match as pivotal for their Europa League ambitions, and the result could go a long way in shaping the balance of Group standings. Fans can expect drama, intensity, and goals at Celtic Park.
Prediction: Celtic 2 – 1 Braga
