Celtic vs Braga Prediction 02.10.2025 | Europa League

In the opening act of the tournament, Celtic put on a respectable showing at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, but they could only come away with a 1-1 draw against Crvena Zvezda after Marko Arnautovic quickly leveled Iheanacho’s opener.

After that, the Hoops were left frustrated as they had to settle for just a single point from their league clash with Hibernian on home soil, despite producing an imposing 2.99 xG and firing 26 shots, but that outcome still kept them unbeaten in regular time this season (W6 D5).

Ahead of Braga’s visit, Celtic will approach this match not with fear, but with confidence and determination, having shown remarkable stability at their home ground, especially in defense, where they have kept four of their five previous visitors from scoring.

Canadian defender Alistair Johnston is struggling with a hamstring issue, which will keep him sidelined for at least another month, while Jota is expected to return only at the start of 2026 as he recovers from an ACL injury.

Unlike the mighty Scottish side, Braga began their European campaign in perfect fashion, smashing Eredivisie leaders Feyenoord at their own “Quarry,” thanks to super-sub Fran Navarro, who struck a late, solitary winner.

After giving their fans a huge celebration with a win over the Dutch side, Os Arcebispos disappointed that same fan base just a few days later upon returning to the national stage, suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Nacional and extending their dull five-match winless run.

Optimism stems from the knowledge that Carlos Vicens’ players have shown a stronger face away from home than at their own ground, staying undefeated through their first six journeys in all competitions with three wins and three draws to show for it.

Braga will need to rediscover their attacking touch if they are to keep their unbeaten run intact after Thursday’s visit to Celtic Park, having appeared fairly harmless in recent outings, with two scoreless performances and only two goals scored across their last four games.

Encouragement comes from the fact that coach Carlos Vicens will have all his key players available, free from any doubts over injuries or suspensions, so the same XI that opened the tournament is expected to take the field in Glasgow.