Scottish champions Celtic face a tough clash on Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League season, when they welcome their opponents from Portugal, Braga, to the Celtic Park.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the detailed prediction and betting tips for the October 2nd clash.
Celtic vs Braga Match Preview
Celtic head into the clash on Thursday on the back of an impressive result in their competition opener against Red Star Belgrade on Matchday 1. The Scottish champions opened scoring in the second half of the encounter through summer signing Kelechi Iheanacho, before conceding an equalizer minutes after their opener as Marko Arnautovic scored for the hosts.
The Hoops reached the first knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League last season and will be eyeing an improvement this season. They will also hope to continue their impressive European home record against their visitors, having lost only one of their last eight home matches in Europe.
📰 The Hoops return to Paradise for #UEL action on Thursday night, with SC Braga the visitors.
💬 “You want to win every game, especially here at home.”#CelticSCBraga | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 29, 2025
Braga, on the other hand, are firm favourites going into the clash and are one of 14 teams to record an opening day win in the Europa League this season. The Portuguese side defeated Dutch opponents Feyenoord by a single goal to begin their campaign on a high note.
Braguistas are looking to put behind the disappointment of last season’s European campaign, following their elimination from the league phase of the competition. They will also be looking to improve their away record, which has seen them claim just one draw in their last four trips in Europe.
Celtic vs Braga Head-to-Head Record
- 04.08.2010 – Celtic 2-1 Braga
- 28.07.2010 – Braga 3-0 Celtic
Both sides have shared a win apiece in two previous meetings in European competitions. Celtic have a decent record against Portuguese opponents in European competitions, winning 12, losing eight and recording three draws.
Braga, meanwhile, have won only two of their eight meetings against Scottish opponents in Europe.
Recent Form: Celtic
Celtic have improved in recent outings and are yet to lose in regular time in their last 11 competitive matches.
Their only defeat in that run was a penalty shootout elimination to Kairat Almaty in the UCL qualifying rounds.
The Hoops have a 10-game unbeaten record at home in all competitions and have kept clean sheets in four of the last five.
Recent Form: Braga
Braga have been inconsistent in recent outings and have only recorded a single win in their last five matches.
They also failed to score in two of these five matches, highlighting their recent struggles.
The Portuguese side are without a clean sheet in their last seven away European matches, and have only won two of their last ten trips in Europe.
Player to Watch: Kelechi Iheanacho (Celtic)
The Nigerian star Kelechi Iheanacho is fast becoming a fan-favorite since his summer move to the club and netted the club’s only goal in Europe this season.
With his impressive holdup play and shooting ability, Iheanacho offers an attacking threat and will be a handful for the Braga defence.
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Best Betting Odds
Home (Celtic) to Win or Draw – 1.28 (via 1xBet)
Prediction
Celtic’s solid home record will continue with a positive result in this tie against Braga, who have struggled for results on the road in Europe.
