Celtic Park, Glasgow — On a rain-soaked evening in Glasgow, SC Braga weathered the storm—both meteorological and emotional—to claim a clinical 2-0 victory over Celtic in Group Stage action of the UEFA Europa League. Goals from Roger Horta and Gabriel Martínez at either end of the match underscored Braga’s composure, while Celtic were left to rue defensive lapses and a controversial VAR decision that denied them a lifeline.

First Half: Braga Seizes Initiative

From the opening whistle, Braga looked comfortable in possession, pressing Celtic high and forcing errors in the hosts’ buildup. The breakthrough arrived in the 20th minute, when Horta’s speculative effort from distance took a deflection and squirmed past Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who will feel he should have done better. The goal visibly lifted the Portuguese side, who continued to probe Celtic’s nervy backline with incisive passing and movement.

Celtic, for their part, struggled to find rhythm. Their best chance of the half came from a swift counterattack, but Braga’s defensive organization—led by captain Vítor Gomes—snuffed out danger repeatedly. A halftime substitution saw Marcelo Saracchi introduced at left-back, but the tactical switch did little to stem Braga’s growing confidence.

Second Half: Controversy and Collapse

The match turned on a moment of high drama early in the second half. Kelechi Iheanacho thought he had pulled Celtic level, only for VAR to intervene, ruling the goal out for a handball in the buildup—a decision that left manager Brendan Rodgers and the home support incensed. The call seemed to deflate Celtic, who, despite sporadic forays forward, lacked the cutting edge to trouble Braga’s resolute defense.

As the rain intensified, so did Celtic’s desperation. Midfielders Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley tried to drive the team forward, but Braga’s midfield shield of Al Musrati and Rodrigo Zalazar dictated tempo and territory. With five minutes remaining, Celtic’s defensive frailty was exposed once more. A chaotic sequence in their own box—culminating in a wayward clearance that ricocheted off Martínez and into the net—put the result beyond doubt. It was a gift for the visitors, but one they thoroughly deserved on the balance of play.

Player Performances and Broader Implications

Horta and Martínez were the heroes for Braga, but the entire team deserves credit for a disciplined, counterpunching display. Celtic, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a night of missed opportunities and self-inflicted wounds. The loss leaves them with work to do in Group H, while Braga’s European campaign gains momentum at a crucial juncture.

For Celtic, the result is a sobering reminder of the gap between domestic dominance and European competitiveness. For Braga, it’s a statement victory, achieved with a blend of tactical nous and ruthless efficiency. As the rain finally relented, the Portuguese side departed Parkhead with three vital points—and the hosts with plenty of questions to answer before the next continental test.