Celtic reached the Europa League play-offs after a tense 4-2 victory over Utrecht, finishing 21st in the 36-team table. Martin O'Neill's side dominated early with three goals in 19 minutes, yet Utrecht replied twice. Auston Trusty’s second-half header eventually settled a match that shifted from comfortable control to genuine concern for the hosts.
The result left Utrecht reflecting on a slow start that created too much damage, despite a spirited response. Celtic, meanwhile, capitalised on early pressure, defended under stress after half-time, and collected three valuable points. The match at Celtic Park delivered scoring bursts, defensive lapses, and key individual moments that shaped the European night.
Celtic opened the scoring in the sixth
minute from a rehearsed short-corner routine. Kieran Tierney received the ball wide and delivered a firm cross into the six-yard area. Benjamin Nygren arrived to guide a low finish past Vasilios Barkas, giving the hosts a perfect platform and forcing Utrecht to chase the game almost from the outset.
The Dutch side then suffered further punishment four minutes later after an error at the back. Goalkeeper Barkas attempted a pass from inside the box, but Nygren anticipated and intercepted. Nygren cut the ball across goal, and Nick Viergever diverted it into the net for an own goal, leaving Utrecht two down after only ten minutes.
Celtic extended the advantage in the 19th minute from the penalty spot, following another decisive aerial duel. Trusty met a cross with a close-range header that struck the arm of Dani de Wit inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot, and Arne Engels stepped up to strike powerfully from 12 yards, putting Celtic 3-0 ahead.
Utrecht showed little attacking threat for most of the first half but found a lifeline just before the interval. One minute before the break, De Wit controlled a pass near the edge of the area. De Wit then curled a measured shot into the bottom-left corner beyond Kasper Schmeichel, trimming the deficit and changing the mood inside Celtic Park.
Celtic vs Utrecht Europa League playoffs: second-half scare and Trusty’s crucial header
The visitors grew into the contest after half-time and increased pressure as Celtic lost some control. Just after the hour mark, Utrecht produced a swift counter-attack that sliced through midfield. Adrian Blake arrived to finish the move, bending a composed strike past Schmeichel, bringing the score to 3-2 and raising genuine nerves among the home support.
Celtic answered quickly to remove much of the tension, regaining command four minutes later. Engels delivered a dangerous ball into the area from the flank, targeting the near post. Trusty attacked the cross and glanced a precise header into the top-right corner, restoring a two-goal cushion and effectively ending Utrecht’s hopes of a full comeback.
We advance to the #UEL playoffs!#CelticUtrecht | #CelticFCpic.twitter.com/pm92TcrvldCeltic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 29, 2026
Celtic vs Utrecht Europa League playoffs: data, records and penalties
Statistically, Celtic produced the stronger attacking display across the 90 minutes. The hosts registered 10 shots, with five on target, generating an expected goals figure of 2.09. Utrecht mustered six attempts and scored twice, yet their overall xG measured just 0.43, underlining how Celtic created clearer chances and managed the decisive moments better.
That explosive opening had historic context for Dutch clubs in Europe. After 19 minutes, Utrecht trailed 3-0, the third-earliest such deficit for a Dutch side in European competition. Only DOS Utrecht against Barcelona in 1965, 3-0 down within 17 minutes, and PSV versus St. Etienne in 1979, behind by three inside five minutes, experienced earlier setbacks.
| Team | Goals | Shots | Shots on target | Expected goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celtic | 4 | 10 | 5 | 2.09 |
| Utrecht | 2 | 6 | 2 | 0.43 |
The spot-kick that gave Celtic their third goal also extended a broader seasonal trend. That 19th-minute penalty was Celtic’s third award in the 2025-26 Europa League campaign. Only Nottingham Forest, with five penalties in the same competition, received more. Celtic ultimately combined clinical early finishing with timely defending to secure progress to the play-offs.
