Celtic produced a thrilling second-half comeback to secure their first Europa League win of the 2025/26 campaign. The Hoops defeated Austrian side Sturm Graz 2-1 at a packed Celtic Park on October 23, 2025[citation:1][citation:7]. This story of resilience saw Brendan Rodgers’ men overturn a half-time deficit to claim three crucial points. Therefore, let us revisit this memorable European night in Glasgow’s east end.
The victory marked a turning point for Celtic after a difficult start to their Europa League campaign. The Hoops had managed just one point from their opening two fixtures. This journey through the match reveals how Rodgers’ side turned their fortunes around. The chapter of Celtic’s European season that began on this night proved pivotal for their progression hopes.
Match Recap: Celtic’s Second-Half Comeback
The match kicked off at Celtic Park on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with an 8pm kick-off time[citation:7]. Spanish referee Juan Martinez Munuera took charge of the Europa League league phase encounter[citation:3]. The atmosphere inside the 60,000-capacity stadium was electric despite recent fan unrest over the club’s summer transfer business[citation:4].
Sturm Graz stunned the home crowd by taking the lead before half-time. Tomi Horvat found the net for the Austrian side, sending the visitors into the break with a 1-0 advantage[citation:3]. The goal silenced Celtic Park momentarily and left Rodgers with work to do in the dressing room.
Celtic emerged from the interval a transformed team. Liam Scales brought the Hoops level with a well-taken goal assisted by Donovan[citation:3]. The Celtic defender’s strike ignited the home support and shifted the momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour. Consequently, Sturm Graz found themselves under sustained pressure.
Benjamin Nygren completed the comeback with a 64th-minute header. Arne Engels delivered a pinpoint corner, and Nygren rose highest to power the ball into the net[citation:9]. The goal sent Celtic Park into raptures and secured all three points for the Hoops.
Tomi Horvat’s Goal Earns Recognition
Despite ending on the losing side, Sturm Graz midfielder Tomi Horvat earned individual recognition for his strike. UEFA’s Technical Observer Group selected Horvat’s goal as the fourth-best of the entire 2025/26 Europa League season[citation:6]. The list honoured the top ten goals from across the competition’s league phase and knockout rounds.
The goal placed behind spectacular efforts from Celta Vigo’s Jones El-Abdellaoui and other European stars. Nevertheless, the accolade demonstrates the quality of Horvat’s finish against the Scottish champions. The Austrian midfielder proved a constant threat throughout the match.
Team News and Lineups
Celtic entered the match without several key players due to ongoing fitness problems. Daizen Maeda, Alistair Johnston, Jota, and Paulo Bernardo were all unavailable for selection[citation:4]. The absences forced Brendan Rodgers to make adjustments to his starting eleven.
Kasper Schmeichel started in goal behind a defence featuring Carter-Vickers and the goal-scoring Scales[citation:4]. Arne Engels, who provided the assist for Nygren’s winner, operated in midfield. Meanwhile, the attack saw Kelechi Iheanacho lead the line.
Sturm Graz arrived in Glasgow without Belmin Beganovic, Daniil Khudyakov, and Oliver Christensen due to injury issues[citation:4]. Manager Jurgen Saumel deployed a 4-3-3 formation designed to exploit space behind Celtic’s attacking full-backs.
Statistical Snapshot: Key Numbers from the Match
The match statistics reflected Celtic’s second-half dominance. The Hoops recorded significantly more shots after the interval as they pushed for the equaliser and winner. Sturm Graz, conversely, found themselves pinned back in their own half for long periods.
Celtic’s home form proved decisive, as it has throughout their European campaigns. The Bhoys have lost just one home match across all competitions this season at the time, alongside recording four wins and two draws[citation:4]. Therefore, Celtic Park remains a formidable venue for visiting teams.
For Sturm Graz, the result continued their mixed away record in European competition. The Austrian side had previously lost 5-0 to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League playoff round and 2-0 to Midtjylland on matchday one of the Europa League[citation:4]. Consequently, improving their European travel form remains a priority.
Celtic’s Europa League Campaign Before the Match
Celtic entered the Sturm Graz fixture in desperate need of points. The Hoops had endured a turbulent start to their Europa League campaign, having drawn one and lost one of their first two matches[citation:4]. A 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade on matchday one preceded a 2-0 defeat to Braga at Celtic Park.
The club’s European disappointment extended beyond the Europa League. Celtic had failed to qualify for the Champions League earlier in the season, losing on penalties to Kairat Almaty in the playoff qualifying round[citation:4]. Therefore, the pressure was mounting on Rodgers and his players.
Domestically, Celtic had started the season strongly despite the European struggles. The Bhoys went nine matches without defeat across the Scottish Premiership and League Cup before the match[citation:4]. They had also booked their place in the League Cup semi-finals, where they would face Rangers.
Sturm Graz’s Form Heading into Glasgow
Sturm Graz arrived at Celtic Park in excellent domestic form. The Austrian side sat top of the Bundesliga standings with a three-point lead over second-placed RB Salzburg[citation:4]. Moreover, they held a game in hand over the teams below them.
Jurgen Saumel’s side had won seven and lost just two of their nine league fixtures. They entered the Celtic match having won all of their last four Austrian Bundesliga games[citation:4]. This run coincided with a 2-1 victory over Scottish rivals Rangers, giving them confidence against Old Firm opposition.
Sturm Graz’s European form before facing Celtic included one win and one loss. They defeated Rangers 2-1 on matchday one before suffering a 2-0 defeat to Midtjylland on matchday two[citation:4]. Consequently, the Austrian champions arrived in Glasgow knowing a positive result would boost their qualification hopes.
Key Players: Who Made the Difference
Benjamin Nygren emerged as the match-winner with his 64th-minute header. The forward’s well-timed run and powerful finish capped Celtic’s comeback. His goal proved crucial for the Hoops’ Europa League ambitions.
Liam Scales also played a pivotal role with the equalising goal. The Irish defender stepped forward from the back line to provide the breakthrough Celtic desperately needed. His contribution from defence proved invaluable on the night.
For Sturm Graz, Tomi Horvat stood out despite the defeat. His first-half strike gave the Austrian side hope of an upset. The goal later earned recognition as one of the Europa League’s best of the season[citation:6].
Otar Kiteishvili, Sturm Graz’s attacking reference point with 19 goals for the season, also threatened the Celtic defence[citation:5]. However, the home side contained him effectively after the break.
Where the Result Leaves Both Teams
The victory moved Celtic onto four points from three Europa League matches. The Hoops sat in a promising position to progress to the knockout rounds. Their remaining fixtures included home matches against Bologna and a trip to face Utrecht[citation:1].
Celtic’s subsequent results in the competition demonstrated their improved form. The Hoops drew 2-2 with Bologna away on January 22, 2026, before thrashing Utrecht 4-2 at home on January 29, 2026[citation:1]. They then progressed past VfB Stuttgart in the knockout playoffs, winning 1-0 away after a 4-1 home defeat in the first leg[citation:1].
For Sturm Graz, the defeat left them on three points from three matches. The Austrian side needed strong results in their remaining fixtures to keep their qualification hopes alive[citation:4].
FAQs
When did Celtic play Sturm Graz in the Europa League?
Celtic hosted Sturm Graz on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The match kicked off at 8pm UK time at Celtic Park in Glasgow. It was matchday three of the 2025/26 Europa League league phase.
What was the score between Celtic and Sturm Graz?
Celtic won the match 2-1. Sturm Graz led 1-0 at half-time through Tomi Horvat’s goal. Liam Scales equalised before Benjamin Nygren scored the winner in the 64th minute.
Who scored for Celtic against Sturm Graz?
Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren scored the two goals for Celtic. Arne Engels provided the assist for Nygren’s winning header. Tomi Horvat scored the lone goal for Sturm Graz.
Where can I watch Celtic vs Sturm Graz highlights?
Highlights are available on the official Celtic FC website and the UEFA Europa League YouTube channel. The goals were also featured in UEFA’s official Europa League highlights show. Extended match replays may be available through Celtic TV for subscribers.
Has Sturm Graz ever beaten Celtic?
No, Sturm Graz have not beaten Celtic in competitive European matches. This 2-1 victory in October 2025 maintained Celtic’s unbeaten record against the Austrian side. The two clubs have met rarely in UEFA competition.
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