Europa League opener perfectly timed for Celtic after Ibrox shambles | OneFootball

A European clash before a vital Glasgow Derby is usually seen as a hindrance, but this is one that could benefit Celtic greatly…

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic, arrives at the stadium before the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Ferencvaros game comes at the right time for Celtic

In usual circumstances, a European game days before a vital Glasgow Derby clash would be seen as something of a hindrance, but tomorrow night’s home clash with Ferencvaros is one that could be just what is required.

We’ve been licking our wounds since Sunday’s damaging loss to the Rangers at Ibrox, and as the old football saying goes, the next game is always the most important.

A chance to bounce back from Sunday

We shouldn’t be looking at the game with the Hungarians as a side show or obstacle in regard to Sunday afternoon’s Derby showdown, we should be treating as a game to bounce back from our own self-inflicted humiliation in Govan.

Olwethu Makhanya of Rangers is challenged by Benjamin Nygren of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Quarter Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox Stadium on September 13, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A decent performance and result will set us up nicely for the fully packed Celtic Park showdown against our currently gloating rivals, as we aim to put them back in their proverbial box, and show them and the watching world that what occurred last Sunday, was nothing more than a massive blip.

The Celtic support will back the team

The Celtic supporters will have to be in full voice come 8pm on Thursday night, and back the players to the hilt as they bid to show a positive reaction after Sunday’s disappointment.

13th September 2026; Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers and Colby Donovan of Celtic challenge for the ball

Celtic Park under the lights on a European night can be special, and we will all be hoping Thursday is no exception, as we look to start our Europa League campaign with three points. Winning our home games in this tournament is going to be crucial and Ferencvaros is a game that we should be looking for the three points.

Some will suggest that our rivals from Ibrox will benefit as they will be putting their feet up having been eliminated from European competition, but a good run out will do our players legs and minds the world of good as they bid to make up for the horror show they conjured up on Sunday.

13th September 2026; Ibrox; Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Camilo Duran of Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Manager’s chance to change formation

Martin O’Neill might even tinker with the much criticised 4-3-3 with Sunday’s game in mind, and again, that’s something that will only benefit the side as they look to go eight points clear of the Ibrox side come Sunday evening.

I also noticed that Hearts lost at Falkirk last night, which stopped them closing the gap on us as until last Sunday they were looking at being our main challengers this season.

13th September 2026; Ibrox, Scottish League Cup Football, Rangers versus Celtic; Mika Baur of Celtic on the ball. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

A good performance and result will set Celtic up for Sunday

A good performance and result in our Europa League opener will allow Celtic – players, management and supporters – to go into Sunday’s revenge mission in a much better frame of mind. Let’s all do our best to get the three points tomorrow night then we can focus on Sunday’s revenge mission.

Derek McInnes used LASK as his inspiration and while Celtic lost heavily in Linz we did beat them 3-0 at home.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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