Celtic v Utrecht live: Hosts secure Europa League play-off place after crucial win

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The Independent

·29 January 2026

Celtic v Utrecht live: Hosts secure Europa League play-off place after crucial win

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Martin O'Neill: 'If we got beat it's a long way back for us'

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Three goals in 20 first-half minutes set Celtic on their way to a vital win against Utrecht as Martin O’Neill’s side secured a spot in the Europa League knockout round play-offs.

Celtic came into the final match of the league phase knowing that they would likely need a win to stay in the play-off spots, and they got off to a dream start as Benjamin Nygren tapped in within six minutes.

A calamity own goal from Nick Viergever made it 2-0 before a soft penalty decision allowed Arne Engels to blast in from the spot to make it 3-0 within 20 minutes.

Celtic were cruising as the half came to an end, but they got too comfortable, giving Dani De Wit too much space as the Dutchman fired in on the stroke of half-time.

It made for a cautious start to the second half for the hosts and Celtic Park was markedly nervous after Adrian Blake swept in on the counter on 62 minutes, though Austin Trusty’s header a few minutes later settled the nerves as the hosts settled to cruise into February’s play-offs.

Europa League: Celtic v Utrecht

Celtic stave off Utrecht comeback to seal place in Europa League knockout play-offs
65' GOAL! Trusty restores two-goal lead with header [CEL 4-2 UTR]
62' GOAL! Blake finishes sweeping counter [CEL 3-2 UTR]
44' GOAL! De Wit gives visitors lifeline [CEL 3-1 UTR]
20' GOAL! Engels makes it three from the spot [CEL 3-0 UTR]
10' GOAL! Defensive disaster gives Celtic second [CEL 2-0 UTR]
6' GOAL! Nygren opens scoring early on [CEL 1-0 UTR]

Rangers bow out of Europa League with comeback defeat at Porto

Rangers' first-half collapse saw them conclude their dismal Europa League campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Porto in the Estadio do Dragao.

Gers attacker Djeidi Gassama headed the visitors in front after just six minutes but they soon fell apart with some calamitous defending and goals from teenager Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal before the break left Danny Rohl's side reeling, with the Portuguese side comfortably fending off an improved Govan side after the break.

Rangers were already out of the competition before kick-off but it was a first defeat in nine games for the Ibrox side, who at times in the first half reverted back to early-season form.

Rangers bow out of Europa League with comeback defeat at Porto

Porto 3-1 Rangers: Danny Rohl’s side knew their fate before kick-off but nevertheless failed to end their European campaign on a high

Chris Wilson30 January 2026 00:00

Martin O’Neill stays coy on Celtic transfers after securing Europa League play-off

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said that the club are “making progress” as they look to add some January signings after securing a place in the Europa League play-offs.

The Scottish champions eventually eased past Utrecht with a 4-2 win at Celtic Park on Thursday evening to finish 21st in the league phase table, and they will face one of German side Stuttgart or Hungarian club Ferencvaros in February’s play-off tie, with the draw coming on Friday.