express gazette logo
The Express Gazette
Friday, October 23, 2026

Celtic's European Struggles Continue as Celta Vigo Secures Victory

Despite a brief moment of hope, Celtic's European campaign falters once again, highlighting a decline from past glories.

Sports • 2 hours ago
Celtic's European Struggles Continue as Celta Vigo Secures Victory

Celtic Park experienced a familiar sting of European disappointment as Celta Vigo emerged victorious, adding another chapter to the Scottish club's recent struggles on the continental stage.

While there was a fleeting moment of optimism when Mika Baur scored early in the second half, the lead was not sustained. The atmosphere within the stadium, which has witnessed historic European nights, seemed to underscore a perceived decline in the team's ability to compete with top-tier European sides.

In years past, Celtic was a team capable of challenging the established giants of European football. However, recent performances suggest they have become a more vulnerable opponent, susceptible to defeats against sides previously considered within their reach. This latest setback further emphasizes the gap between Celtic's current European standing and the heights they once achieved.

The memory of past European triumphs, such as their impressive showings against Bayern Munich a couple of seasons ago, contrasts sharply with their current form. The team's struggles extend beyond this single match, reflecting a broader trend of underperformance in European competitions.

Javi Rodriguez celebrates his second goal and an entire stadium knew there was no way back

One of the club's lowest points in recent European history included a second-leg collapse against LASK, where they squandered a significant four-goal advantage. This pattern of conceding leads and struggling to maintain momentum has become a recurring theme, leading to questioning of the team's resilience and tactical approach in high-stakes matches.

Kieran Tierney holds his head in his hand as Celtic's players reflect on another European failure


Sources