These two clubs have only ever met once before, clashing in Champions League qualifying in 2010, with Braga advancing, winning 3-0 at home before a 2-1 defeat in Glasgow.
Celtic have never lost at home to Portuguese opposition in 11 previous meetings, winning nine. Braga meantime have lost all four visits to Scotland to date, beaten by Hearts in 2004 and by Rangers in 2020 and 2022, as well as that aforementioned loss at Parkhead.
Celtic vs Braga preview
Celtic are yet to win a European match in three attempts so far this season, so can they change that fact on Thursday evening? Back in August, the Hoops were ignominiously dumped out of Champions League qualifying by Kairat, both legs finishing goalless, before losing the subsequent penalty shootout in Almaty. Then, last Wednesday, Brendan Rodgers' side began their Europa League campaign with a credible 1-1 draw against Crvena zvezda in Belgrade. Kelechi Ịheanachọ fired them in front at the Marakana shortly after the interval, only for the hosts to equalise ten minutes later.
More broadly, the Celts have been pretty underwhelming throughout this campaign. Saturday's 0-0 draw with Hibernian at home was their fourth goalless stalemate of the campaign already, meaning they've slipped down to second in the Scottish Premiership, two points below pace setters Hearts.
In this competition meantime, Celtic will also welcome Sturm Graz, Roma and Utrecht to Glasgow, with away games against Midtjylland, Feyenoord and Bologna to come as well, so who knows how well they will do? Here, can Rodgers' side pick up three important points to improve the mood?
As for Braga, this is the ninth time in the last ten seasons that they've competed in the Europa League group stage, ousting Levski Sofia, CFR Cluj and Lincoln Red Imps in summer qualifiers to get here. Carlos Vicens' side then made a winning start to their league phase campaign eight nights ago, with Fran Navarro's goal 11 minutes from time downing Feyenoord at the Quarry. The Archbishops finished 25th in last season's table, winning just three times, certainly hoping for better this year.
However, Braga travel to Glasgow in pretty horrendous form. After winning their first two Primeira Liga fixtures, they've failed to win any of the subsequent five; Sunday's 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Nacional leaves them seventh in the table, ahead of next weekend's daunting trip to champions Sporting. Before then, they'll face another team famed for donning green and white hoops, so can Celtic spark their European season into life by beating a beleaguered Braga at Parkhead?
Celtic vs Braga head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 2.
- Celtic Wins: 1. Draws: Zero. Braga Wins: 1.
Celtic team news
Alistair Johnston remains sidelined after suffering a hamstring injury against Kairat on August. Teenager Colby Donovan deputised excellently in Belgrade last mid-week, before usual back-up Anthony Ralston returned following a foot injury at the weekend, so it'll be interesting to see who gets the nod here.
Compared to that team that drew with Hibernian, rested Kieran Tierney will be reinstated at left-back, after Marcelo Saracchi debuted, while Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren are Brendan Rodgers' first-choice midfielders, thereby set to be chosen over Arne Engels and Luke McCowan.
Lastly, out-wide, Yang Hyun-jun was a surprise starter against Crvena zvezda, but he's likely to be on the bench this time, with scorer in Belgrade Kelechi Ịheanachọ leading the line from the start.
Celtic predicted lineup vs Braga: (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney; McGregor, Nygren, Hatate; Maeda, Tounekti, Ịheanachọ.
Celtic player to watch vs Braga
Daizen Maeda scored 33 goals last season, including four in the Champions League, but has only bagged two so far this year, looking to spark his season into life.
Braga team news
Under pressure Carlos Vicens made just one change for the weekend defeat to Nacional, the match-winner against Feyenoord Fran Navarro replacing Amine El Ouazzani in attack, but he may make a few more here, searching for a winning formulae.
There will be a familiar face in his back-line, namely Gustaf Lagerbielke, who made just ten appearances for Celtic, rarely given a chance, but did score a dramatic stoppage time winner against Feyenoord to end the Hoops' decade-long wait for a Champions League win.
Braga predicted lineup vs Celtic: (3-4-3): Horníček; Lagerbielke, Niakaté, Gorby; Gómez, Moutinho, Moscardo, Lelo; Zalazar, R Horta, El Ouazzani.
Braga player to watch vs Celtic
There are few more experienced active players in world football than 39 year old João Moutinho. He accumulated 146 international caps, while this will be his 915th senior club appearance, of which 163 have come in UEFA competition, winning the Europa League with Porto in 2011, but he is still performing at a very high level, looking to control the midfield.
Celtic vs Braga prediction
This clash is tough to call but we do, just about, give the edge to Celtic, backing the Hoops to make home advantage count given Braga's dismal recently form: Celtic 2-1 Braga.
Celtic vs Braga FAQs - UEFA Europa League
How to watch Celtic vs Braga in the Europa League on TV channel?
Celtic vs Braga in the Europa League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Celtic vs Braga in the Europa League on live streaming?
Celtic vs Braga in the Europa League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Celtic vs Braga in the Europa League?
Celtic vs Braga takes place on Thursday 2 October 2025, with kick off at 17:45 (BST), 12:45 (EDT) & 9:45 (PDT).