Historic win & fond memories - Celtic's previous Celta Vigo meeting

Cal Gilkison - BBC Sport Scotland Wed, October 21, 2026 at 11:14 AM UTC

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For many Celtic fans, facing Celta Vigo on Thursday will spark fond memories.

The clubs have only met in one previous European tie - during Celtic's run to the 2003 Uefa Cup final.

Current boss Martin O'Neill was at the helm 24 years ago as Celtic earned a 1-0 first-leg lead at a raucous Parkhead thanks to a second-half goal from Henrik Larsson.

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O'Neill's side then prevailed on a torrid night in Spain to edge through to the last 16 on away goals, with John Hartson's first-half strike proving crucial in a 2-1 away defeat.

The historic aggregate win was Celtic's first against Spanish opposition and ensured the club survived in European football beyond Christmas for the first time in 23 years.

Having already dispatched Blackburn Rovers, Celtic then saw off Stuttgart, Liverpool and Boavista to reach the final in Seville, where the memorable run ended in extra-time heartbreak against Porto.

Now, O'Neill would gladly take a 1-0 win on Thursday night as he awaits his side's first Europa League points.

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Source: “AOL Sports”