Europa League: Celtic lose to Celta after leading, Mateta returns in Palace draw
Celtic fell to another defeat after taking the lead against Celta Vigo, while Jean-Philippe Mateta scored on his first start for Crystal Palace since the opening day in a 2-2 draw at Besiktas
Celtic suffered more Europa League pain as Spanish side Celta Vigo came from behind to win 2-1 at Parkhead. After defeats by Ferencvaros and Benfica in their first two league phase fixtures, Martin O’Neill’s side struggled to impose themselves on the visitors who were neat and tidy without really testing Hoops keeper Sam Johnstone.
Germany midfielder Mika Baur fired the home side in front just over a minute into the second half to thrill the Celtic fans but Spain defender Javi Rodríguez scored twice in three minutes – a header then an unstoppable drive – to stun the home side who could not find a way back.
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It was another damaging Euro night for the Scottish champions, knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers by LASK on a 5-4 aggregate after being 4-0 up at one stage earlier in the season.
Celtic’s ultras group, the Green Brigade, boycotted the game in protest at the running of the club, albeit there appeared to be only a couple of hundred empty seats, while 3,000 raucous Celta Vigo fans helped the noise.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored on his first start since the opening day but Crystal Palace could not capitalise on a Besiktas red card to produce a winner in their 2-2 Europa League draw in Istanbul.
Palace were looking to bounce back from Sunday’s humiliating 5-0 defeat at Brighton, and were the superior side before Wilfred Ndidi opened the scoring for the hosts in first-half stoppage time.
Yéremy Pino drew the sides level six minutes after the restart and Mateta – who had a first-half goal chalked off by the video assistant referee – fired Palace to a first-time lead four minutes later.
Junior Olaitan netted a 73rd-minute equaliser, and Palace could not find a winner after Umit Akdag was sent off for a clumsy 77th-minute challenge on Jørgen Strand Larsen, who was subsequently forced off.
Sunderland’s winning start in the Europa League was ended with a 1-1 draw away to Lech Poznan. The point keeps Sunderland unbeaten in Europe this season after back-to-back victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense.
In a thrilling opening Sunderland went in front early through Timur Tutierov, who was making only his third competitive start since arriving at Sunderland’s academy in 2023.
The visitors had opportunities to extend their lead when Malick Fofana hit the post and Nordi Mukiele forced a strong save from Mateusz Lis, but Lech responded in the 70th minute through the substitute Leo Bengtsson’s low strike.
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Régis Le Bris made six changes from Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, including a first start of the season for Habib Diarra following his return from injury.
