Sporting Braga coach Carlos Vicens – European journey begins against Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·29 September 2025

Sporting Braga coach Carlos Vicens – European journey begins against Celtic

Braga coach Carlos Vicens feels his team’s journey in Europe really begins with this week’s Europa League meeting against Celtic…

Braga players celebrated the winning goal iduring the UEFA Europe League League phase, Matchday 1, between Sporting Club de Braga and Feyenoord at Stadium Municipal of Braga on 24 September 2025 in Braga Portugal Photo by Luis de la Mata IMAGO/sportPix

Celtic host the Portuguese side at Celtic Park on Thursday, following a hard-earned draw in Serbia against Red Star Belgrade in their first group-stage match last week.

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Braga ended last season fourth in the Primeira Liga, yet their current campaign has begun on a frustrating note which included a 1-0 defeat at home to Nacional last night.

They currently sit in seventh place after seven games with nine points. The visitors arrive in Glasgow on Thursday having won two, drawn three and lost two of their opening league matches.

However, they beat Feyenoord 1-0 on home soil last week, marking their first victory in nearly a month across all competitions. Now, Braga boss Vicens believes the win over the Dutch league leaders can serve as a springboard for further progress in the Europa League.

Speaking via The National ahead of their clash with Celtic, he said: “We’ve had a week where the team has shown a more competitive, more united and more hard-working side of them.

“The win over Feyenoord set the standard for what we can do and I want to see more of the same now. I believe the team spirit is definitely there and the squad are all ready for an important set of games coming up.

“Even when we have not got the results we have deserved so far this season, the players have not let their heads drop and it’s important to emphasise that.”

Braga will travel to Glasgow without two key players as Ivorian midfielder Mario Dorgeles and defender Paulo Oliveira remain sidelined through injury.

Carlos Vicens head coach of Sporting Braga during the UEFA Europe League League phase,Matchday 1, between Sporting Club de Braga and Feyenoord at Stadium Municipal of Braga on 24 September 2025 in Braga Portugal Photo by Luis de la Mata IMAGO/ SportPix/Sipa/

Brendan Rodgers emphasised last week that the home games for Celtic will be important in order to progress to the latter stages of the competition. Three points on Thursday night against tough opposition is all that matters.

Conor Spence

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Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

We’re certainly Putting on the Style with the new promotion from Celtic Star Books. David Potter’s final book – Celtic in the Eighties – has been selling wonderfully well since its launch earlier this month. It is by far our fastest-ever seller. Order one of the last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties and Danny McGrain will sign it for you PLUS you’ll receive a copy of David Potter’s wonderful book on Willie Fernie as a free gift.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has now agreed to sign the final batch of Celtic in the Eighties. Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny and a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last, from Wednesday of this week (Danny is signing the books on Tuesday evening).

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.