Continue reading on the next page to see what Brendan Rodgers had to say in his exclusive interview with Celtic TV yesterday…
When Brendan Rodgers sat down for his pre-match interview, he didn’t just talk about tactics or the opposition — he talked about belief, about legacy, and about what it means to wear the green and white hoops on the European stage.
“Braga are a quality side,” Rodgers said. “They have pace, technical ability, and they press well. We expect them to come here and make it difficult for us. But we also know what it means to play at Celtic Park under the lights. The atmosphere here is a huge advantage, and we want to use that to fuel our performance.”
The message was clear: respect for the opponent, but no fear. This isn’t just another Europa League group game. This is an opportunity — a chance to make a statement, to build momentum, and to carve a path towards the knockout rounds that all Celtic supporters dream of returning to on a regular basis.
The Stakes: Why This Game Matters More Than Ever
This is matchday two of what has been, so far, an unexpected but welcome journey in the Europa League. Celtic’s involvement at this level this season has been a rollercoaster — not just in terms of results, but in what it signals for the club’s ambitions.
A win tomorrow doesn’t just mean three points. It means control. It means breathing room in a group that looks competitive but winnable. It means putting Braga under pressure in their own backyard, making their job that bit harder when the return fixture comes around.
Anything less — a draw or a loss — suddenly turns things very tricky. A point may seem better than none, but when every team in this group knows how to defend and how to punish mistakes, dropping points at home can be costly.
The automatic qualification spots to the last 16 are there for the taking, but they won’t be handed over without a fight. Every match will be a battle, and tomorrow night is a battlefield Celtic must claim.
The Tactical Battle: What to Expect on the Pitch
Braga’s style is both a challenge and an opportunity. They like to press high and disrupt rhythm, but Rodgers and his coaching staff have spent the last week analysing every detail.
“We know they’re aggressive out of possession,” Rodgers said. “Our build-up has to be precise. We have to move the ball quickly, find the spaces, and exploit any gaps they leave when they push players forward.”
This will put the midfield and defenders under pressure to be calm on the ball and quick in transition. Celtic’s midfield trio — whether that’s Matt O’Riley, Callum McGregor, or Paulo Oliveira — will need to show both intelligence and composure. They must link defence to attack, break up Braga’s play, and drive forward when the opportunity arises.
Up front, Rodgers hinted at using Kelechi Iheanacho as the main striker — a logical choice given his experience and clinical instincts. Iheanacho’s ability to find space in the box and finish chances will be vital, especially if Celtic manage to carve out only a handful of clear opportunities.
Supplying him will be Sebastian Tounekti and Daizen Maeda, two players with pace and trickery who can stretch Braga’s defence and create those half-chances that can turn into match-winning moments. Their decision-making and delivery in the final third will be under close scrutiny.
The defensive unit, which has looked more assured in recent games, must be alert and organised. Braga have fast attackers who will test the backline’s concentration and speed. Keeping a tight shape and communicating effectively will be essential to keep clean sheets and build confidence.
Recent Form: Encouragement but Still Room for Improvement
Looking at recent performances, it’s clear Celtic have been improving in certain areas — possession stats, defensive solidity, and control of midfield — but the major concern remains: finishing.
Saturday’s goalless draw with Hibernian at Parkhead was a frustrating example. Plenty of chances created but none taken. The forward line seemed to lack a cutting edge, which wasn’t for lack of trying but for an absence of clinical execution.
Rodgers touched on this frustration during his interview.
“We’ve been creating good chances, but you have to take those chances when they come. That’s what separates teams at this level.”
This challenge won’t disappear overnight, but the quality is there in the squad to overcome it. Iheanacho has Premier League and international pedigree. Maeda’s work ethic and pace are well-known, and Tounekti’s flair and creativity add a dimension that can break down stubborn defences.
It’s about confidence, and that tends to come from scoring goals. If one or two players find their scoring boots tomorrow, it could unlock the entire team.
The Role of the Fans: Our Twelfth Man
One thing Rodgers was absolutely adamant about was the influence Celtic Park itself can have on a European night.
“Celtic Park on a European night is electric,” he said. “The fans create an atmosphere that makes this place a fortress. It lifts the players. It puts pressure on the opposition. That’s why it’s so important we start fast and keep that momentum going.”
It’s no exaggeration to say that the support can be the difference between victory and defeat. European nights at Paradise have gone down in football folklore — nights where the roar from the stands has sent shivers through visiting players and inspired Celtic to perform beyond expectations.
From the days of Henrik Larsson’s magic to the more recent battles with giants like Barcelona and RB Leipzig, the fans have been the beating heart of the team’s successes.
Tomorrow night, the Hoops will need every ounce of that energy. The chants, the cheers, the unwavering support — all designed to lift the players and intimidate the visitors.
If the fans bring their full force, it could be the catalyst for a performance that brings not just three points but the kind of momentum that propels us deeper into the competition.
Looking Ahead: What a Win Could Mean for Celtic’s European Future
This Europa League campaign is about more than just the here and now. It’s about building something sustainable. It’s about restoring Celtic as a club that competes regularly in the latter stages of Europe’s biggest competitions.
The financial benefits, the attraction for players, and the pride it brings to the fans and city are enormous. But that requires belief and consistency.
Winning tomorrow would send a powerful message — to Braga, to the rest of Europe, and to everyone associated with Celtic. It says we’re here to compete. That we have the quality. That Celtic Park is a fortress that few teams want to visit.
It would also give the players that invaluable experience of winning under pressure on a European stage — experience that can be a stepping stone to greater things.
Final Thoughts: The Night That Could Define Our Season
So, here we stand. On the eve of a crucial European clash. Ready to face a tough opponent. With everything to play for.
Brendan Rodgers’ words remind us that while respect is due, fear is not.
Our forwards must find their sharpness, our midfield their confidence, our defence their focus, and our fans their voice.
Because if we do all of that, if we bring the full force of Celtic Park and the spirit of the club to bear, then three points — and a big step towards the last 16 — could be ours.
This isn’t just another match. It’s a chance to prove to ourselves and the rest of Europe that Celtic belong here, that we’re more than capable, and that we’re ready to fight for every inch.
Tomorrow night is our moment.
Let’s make it count.
Come on the Hoops! 🍀
Just an Ordinary Bhoy