Celtic vs Sporting Braga – Match preview and team news

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·2 October 2025

Celtic vs Sporting Braga – Match preview and team news

Celtic and Sporting Braga go head-to-head in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night.

This is the third ever meeting between the two sides, after the Portuguese outfit knocked the Hoops out of the Champions League qualifiers back in 2011.

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Celtic’s only defeat in their last eight home games in European competition came against Bayern Munich, while Braga have failed to win any of their last four away outings in the Europa League, conceding nine goals in that time.

Celtic vs Braga – Match preview and team news

Date: Thursday, 2nd October.
Kick-off: 5:45pm BST.
Venue: Celtic Park.

Celtic team news

Celtic will be without several key players for the visit of the Portuguese side. Alistair Johnston remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury that has kept him out for twelve weeks, with the Canadian international still working his way back to fitness. The versatile defender suffered the injury against Kairat Almaty and is not expected to return until November.

Anthony Ralston has returned to the squad after his own injury concerns and is likely to start at right-back though the young Colby Donovan might get the nod to start in the Europa League matches. Manager Brendan Rodgers will also be missing Auston Trusty, who continues to struggle with a plantar fasciitis foot problem. Portuguese winger Jota remains out with a cruciate ligament injury.

The Hoops have made several significant summer signings, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha, to bolster their attacking options. Iheanacho scored in Celtic’s Europa League opener and will look to add to his tally.

Sporting Braga team tews

The visitors will be without Mario Dorgeles, who is dealing with a ligament injury and is not expected to return until early November. Jonatas Noro also remains unavailable due to an Achilles tendon problem.

Fran Navarro has been in excellent form for Carlos Vicens’ side, finding the net in their opening Europa League victory over Feyenoord. The striker will lead the line alongside Ricardo Horta and Rodrigo Zalazar, who have been key figures in Braga’s attacking play.

Former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke moved to Braga during the summer for £2.2 million and could face his old club. The Swedish centre-back adds defensive solidity to Vicens’ squad.

Form

Celtic

Brendan Rodgers’ side have struggled for consistency in recent weeks, managing just eight goals in their first six Scottish Premiership matches. The Bhoys were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Hibernian at the weekend, despite dominating possession. Their Europa League campaign began with a 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade, with Iheanacho’s strike earning them a valuable point.

Celtic remain unbeaten in normal time across all competitions this season but experienced disappointment after being eliminated from the Champions League by Kairat Almaty in the play-off round. The Hoops currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership with 14 points from six games, two points behind leaders Hearts.

Braga

Carlos Vicens has endured a challenging start to life as Braga manager, with his side struggling for consistency in the Primeira Liga. After an impressive start to his tenure that saw them unbeaten in ten matches, Braga have now won just one of their last five games across all competitions.

The Portuguese side currently sits seventh in the Primeira Liga table after suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Nacional at the weekend. However, they opened their Europa League campaign impressively with a 1-0 victory over Feyenoord at home, with Navarro scoring the decisive goal.