Javi Rodríguez scored twice in four minutes as Celta Vigo came from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park, collecting their first win of the Europa League league phase. Mika Baur had put the hosts ahead, but Celtic remain without a point after three matches.
Glasgow, Scotland: For 21 minutes after Mika Baur’s opener, Celtic Park believed it was about to see its side collect a first point in this season’s Europa League. Then Celta Vigo’s Javi Rodríguez took the night away from them.
Baur breaks the deadlock
The first half finished goalless. Celtic made their move early in the second. Haissem Hassan crossed, and Baur swept the ball home in the 47th minute to put the hosts in front.
Rodríguez turns the game
The lead lasted until the 68th minute. Hugo Álvarez delivered a free-kick, and Rodríguez rose to head it past the Celtic goalkeeper to level the match. He was not finished. In the 71st minute, with Celtic unable to clear their lines, he struck again from outside the area to put Celta ahead. Two goals inside four minutes had turned the match, and Celtic could not find a way back.
What it means for both clubs
The win is Celta’s first of the league phase. They had lost 2-1 at home to Juventus on a stoppage-time goal a week earlier. For Celtic it is a third straight defeat in the competition and a result that leaves them without a point, following a 4-1 loss at Benfica in the previous round. The top eight go straight into the last 16, and Celtic’s margin for error is already thin.
Result: Celtic 1-2 Celta Vigo (UEFA Europa League, league phase, matchday 3, Celtic Park, Glasgow, 22 October 2026)
Celtic scorer: Mika Baur (47’)
Celta Vigo scorer: Javi Rodríguez (68’, 71’)
