Celtic host Celta Vigo at Parkhead tonight in a Europa League match that has already taken on must-win status. Martin O'Neill's side are pointless after two consecutive defeats and sit 33rd in the standings, just three places off the bottom, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stages hanging by a thread.
The Scottish champions are desperate to salvage their European campaign, while their Spanish visitors are equally eager to get off the mark. Celta Vigo, quarter-finalists last season, have also lost their opening two games, suffering late heartbreak against Omonia and tournament heavyweights Juventus.
Team News and Build-Up
The Green Brigade's boycott means Celtic will play in front of a reduced crowd, but O'Neill's men are determined to turn their fortunes around. The Northern Irishman returns to the dugout after missing media duties due to a personal issue, with assistant coach Shaun Maloney stepping in to face the press on the eve of the game.
Maloney addressed speculation about who is really in charge at Celtic Park, insisting O'Neill is the manager. The assistant coach's presence at the pre-match press conference had sparked debate among fans, but the record has been set straight.
Spanish Opposition History
This is Celtic's 22nd home meeting with Spanish opposition. Their record stands at eight wins, eight losses and five draws. Notable results include a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in 2012 and a 3-2 win against Real Betis in 2021, but also heavy defeats to Real Madrid and Barcelona in recent Champions League campaigns.
One memorable encounter came in 1984 when Celtic played Atletico Madrid behind closed doors at an empty Parkhead as punishment from UEFA following the controversial loss to Rapid Vienna the previous year.
Familiar Faces in Spanish Ranks
Celta Vigo's squad includes Couhaib Driouech, a Moroccan winger who nearly joined Rangers just months ago. The transfer from PSV Eindhoven fell through over fitness concerns, but he later signed for the Spanish club and returns to Glasgow hoping to make an impact.
Former Celtic striker John Guidetti, who spent a season on loan at Parkhead before joining Celta Vigo in 2015, has recalled fond memories of playing under the lights in Glasgow. He scored 11 goals by November during his loan spell but later admitted he was underwhelmed by the lack of big games in Scotland.
Tonight's match is the first competitive meeting between the clubs since the 2002 UEFA Cup tie, when Henrik Larsson scored in a first-leg win at Parkhead and John Hartson's strike in Spain sealed progress on away goals. Both teams have lost their opening two games, and something has to give on Thursday night.
