Celtic Set to Face Struggling Braga in Europa League Clash

GLASGOW, Scotland — Celtic will host Sporting Braga on Thursday, October 2, at 5:45 PM BST in a crucial Europa League matchup. Both teams enter the match with different sets of pressures. While Celtic seeks to continue their strong performance, Braga is desperate for a turnaround following a disappointing domestic run.

Braga started their Europa League campaign with a win over Feyenoord, but their morale has plummeted after a 1-0 loss at home to Nacional of Madeira. The defeat has left the team reeling in seventh place in Liga Portugal and drawn criticism from fans and head coach Carlos Vicens.

Vicens, who previously served as Pep Guardiola‘s assistant at Manchester City, stepped into the head coach role to fanfare but has faced challenges. His appointment followed Braga’s split with Carlos Carvalhal, and his tenure has seen mixed results. A draw and a narrow win in his early matches gave way to a concerning four-match winless streak in the league.

“The players’ attitude must improve,” Vicens said after the recent performance. The criticism from fans has been palpable, with the traditional wave of white handkerchiefs signaling their displeasure.

Braga’s previous encounter at Celtic Park in August 2010 ended in a loss, which they will be looking to avenge. Celtic’s last strong campaign in Europe saw them march to the Europa League final after finishing third in their Champions League group, and they will hope to leverage home advantage.

Additions to this season’s squad include Spanish striker Pau Victor from Barcelona for nearly £10.5 million and Ivorian midfielder Mario Dorgeles from Nordsjaelland for £9.6 million. However, Victor has struggled to make an impact, and Dorgeles may be sidelined for the match.

Braga also faces the return of center-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, who left Celtic for the Portuguese side over the summer. Lagerbielke, who only made 10 appearances for Celtic, has become a key player for Braga and aims to keep his former teammates at bay as the teams prepare to clash.