Three goals in 20 first-half minutes set Celtic on their way to a vital win against Utrecht as Martin O’Neill’s side secured a spot in the Europa League knockout round play-offs.
Celtic came into the final match of the league phase knowing that they would likely need a win to stay in the play-off spots, and they got off to a dream start as Benjamin Nygren tapped in within six minutes.
A calamity own goal from Nick Viergever made it 2-0 before a soft penalty decision allowed Arne Engels to blast in from the spot to make it 3-0 within 20 minutes.
Celtic were cruising as the half came to an end, but they got too comfortable, giving Dani De Wit too much space as the Dutchman fired in on the stroke of half-time.
It made for a cautious start to the second half for the hosts and Celtic Park was markedly nervous after Adrian Blake swept in on the counter on 62 minutes, though Austin Trusty’s header a few minutes later settled the nerves as the hosts settled to cruise into February’s play-offs.
Follow all the reaction from Parkhead below:
Europa League: Celtic v Utrecht
- Celtic stave off Utrecht comeback to seal place in Europa League knockout play-offs
- 65' GOAL! Trusty restores two-goal lead with header [CEL 4-2 UTR]
- 62' GOAL! Blake finishes sweeping counter [CEL 3-2 UTR]
- 44' GOAL! De Wit gives visitors lifeline [CEL 3-1 UTR]
- 20' GOAL! Engels makes it three from the spot [CEL 3-0 UTR]
- 10' GOAL! Defensive disaster gives Celtic second [CEL 2-0 UTR]
- 6' GOAL! Nygren opens scoring early on [CEL 1-0 UTR]
Rangers bow out of Europa League with comeback defeat at Porto
00:00 , Chris WilsonRangers' first-half collapse saw them conclude their dismal Europa League campaign with a 3-1 defeat by Porto in the Estadio do Dragao.
Gers attacker Djeidi Gassama headed the visitors in front after just six minutes but they soon fell apart with some calamitous defending and goals from teenager Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal before the break left Danny Rohl's side reeling, with the Portuguese side comfortably fending off an improved Govan side after the break.
Rangers were already out of the competition before kick-off but it was a first defeat in nine games for the Ibrox side, who at times in the first half reverted back to early-season form.
Rangers bow out of Europa League with comeback defeat at Porto
Igor Jesus double helps Nottingham Forest claim easy win over Ferencvaros
23:50 , Chris WilsonNottingham Forest will play Panathinaikos or Fenerbahce in the Europa League play-off round after ending their league phase with a 4-0 win over Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros.
Igor Jesus’ brace after Bence Otvos’ early own goal and James McAtee’s late penalty made it an easy evening for Forest at the City Ground.
Defeat at Braga last week ensured Sean Dyche’s side had next to no chance of securing automatic qualification to the knockout round, but victory here ensured they get home advantage in the second leg of next month’s play-off tie.
Igor Jesus double helps Nottingham Forest claim easy win over Ferencvaros
Substitute Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba crowns Aston Villa comeback with late winner
23:40 , Chris WilsonNineteen-year-old substitute Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba scored a late winner as Aston Villa came from two goals down to beat RB Salzburg 3-2 and finish in the Europa League top two amid further injury problems for boss Unai Emery.
Villa, already assured of a place in the last 16, picked up their seventh win from eight games in the group phase the hard way and the success was marred by the loss of Ollie Watkins to a first-half injury to add to a growing list of fitness concerns.
Salzburg had no other option but to go in search of the three points and got their reward for a fantastic first-half display when Karim Konate took advantage of Tyrone Mings’ error.
Substitute Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba crowns Aston Villa comeback with late winner
Europa League key dates
23:30 , Chris WilsonHere are some key dates Martin O’Neill and co. will be looking at:
Play-off first legs will be played on 19 February and second legs are slated to take place on 26 February.
Round of 16
First leg: 11/12 March
Second leg: 18/19 March
Quarter-finals
First leg: 8/9 April
Second leg: 15/16 April
Semi-finals
First leg: 29/30 April
Second leg: 6/7 May
Final
19/20 May - Besiktas Park, Istanbul
Martin O’Neill stays coy on Celtic transfers after securing Europa League play-off
23:20 , Chris WilsonCeltic manager Martin O’Neill said that the club are “making progress” as they look to add some January signings after securing a place in the Europa League play-offs.
The Scottish champions eventually eased past Utrecht with a 4-2 win at Celtic Park on Thursday evening to finish 21st in the league phase table, and they will face one of German side Stuttgart or Hungarian club Ferencvaros in February’s play-off tie, with the draw coming on Friday.
Martin O’Neill coy on Celtic transfers after securing Europa League play-off
How will the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw work?
23:10 , Chris WilsonThe clubs are paired together in relation to their league phase positions, forming four seeded pairs: positions 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16. There will be four unseeded pairs: positions 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22, and 23 and 24).
Clubs in each seeded pair will draw a tie against an unseeded pair: clubs 9 or 10 against clubs 23 or 24, clubs 11 or 12 against clubs 21 or 22, clubs 13 or 14 against clubs 19 or 20, and clubs 15 or 16 against clubs 17 or 18.
Teams from the same national association, or teams that have already met in the league phase, can all play against each other in the knockout phase play-offs.
Which teams are in the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw?
23:00 , Chris WilsonThere are 16 teams in the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw, including two-thirds of the remaining British contingent.
With the number representing their finish in the league phase, the following teams are seeded:
9. Genk (Belgium)
10. Bologna (Italy)
11. Stuttgart (Germany)
12. Ferencvaros (Hungary)
13. Nottingham Forest (England)
14. Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic)
15. Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)
16. Celta Vigo (Spain)
The remaining teams are unseeded:
17. PAOK (Greece)
18. Lille (France)
19. Fenerbahce (Turkey)
20. Panathinaikos (Greece)
21. Celtic (Scotland)
22. Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria)
23. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
24. Brann (Norway)
When is Europa League play-off draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
22:52 , Chris WilsonThe draw for the first knockout round in the 2025/26 Europa League is set to be made after a frantic league phase finale sealed the fates of British sides.
Nottingham Forest find themselves in the pot with a 4-0 victory over Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros not enough to force themselves into the top eight, while Aston Villa bypass the play-offs after finishing second in the table.
Sean Dyche’s side will, however, be joined by Celtic after Martin O’Neill’s side avoided elimination on the last matchday, staving off a comeback from Utrecht to beat to Dutch side 4-2 at Parkhead.
The likes of Lille, Bologna and Fenerbahce are also among the top-24 contingent required to go through the play-offs to keep their Europa League ambitions alive.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Europa League play-off draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
Fast-starting Celtic see off Utrecht to book Europa League play-off spot
22:45 , Chris WilsonCeltic set up a Europa League play-off clash with either Ferencvaros or Stuttgart after beating Dutch side FC Utrecht 4-2 in their final group stage match at Celtic Park.
An early strike from Benjamin Nygren, an own goal from Nick Viergever and an Arne Engels penalty looked to have Celtic coasting, only for Utrecht to narrow the deficit thanks to efforts from Dani de Wit and Adrian Blake.
A fourth goal, though, from Auston Trusty secured Celtic’s safe passage through to Friday’s draw, where they will be paired with either Ferencvaros of Hungary or German side Stuttgart in a two-legged tie to be played on February 19 and 26.
Fast-starting Celtic see off Utrecht to book Europa League play-off spot
O'Neill on transfers
22:40 , Chris Wilson“We’re making progress, we think we can move it along now, so I’m very hopeful we can get some recruits in.
“That i don’t know, like anything else you’re trying to look for a bit of quality to supplement the squad and improve it. It’s not been easy.
“Ive had transfer windows in the past where I’ve been twiddling my fingers, so we’re trying to do some work and we think we can do it.
“You keep questioning me, I can never guarantee anything, but we’re very hopeful,” he adds as he finishes.
O'Neill: 'We deserved to win it'
22:35 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Celtic boss Martin O’Neill had to say after full-time:
“We deserved to win it, we pressed strongly, got a little tired but overall a great effort.
“I think that over the last couple of weeks we’ve shown great resilience, down to 10 men [twice in last two games], so they’ve shown that.
Tonight, we didn’t make that many changes, we pressed strongly, and we’re in the hat,” he added.
He says he has no preference on facing Stuttgart or Ferenvaros, but is “really just genuinely pleased to be in it”.
“After a number of games we’d have got long odds, but the players did brilliantly. The game at Feyenoord, and the performance last week, counted for something,” he explains.
Forest also in play-offs
22:30 , Chris WilsonSean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest finished in 13th, so they will face either Fenerbahce or Panathinaikos in the play-offs!
Europa League result
22:25 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of results from this evening then:
What a night 🍿#UEL pic.twitter.com/UiIiNkFB6O
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 29, 2026
Scott Brown reacts
22:20 , Chris WilsonFormer Celtic captain Scott Brown had this to say on TNT Sports:
“The main thing was to get through for Celtic. [The conceded goals] are something to work on for Martin O'Neill.
“It's so important they keep scoring goals, Nygren is a fantastic player in that area.”
McGregor: 'The mentality in the group has been amazing'
22:15 , Chris WilsonCeltic captain Callum McGregor tells TNT Sports that the Scottish side "knew the objective was to win the game and get through to the play-off round”.
"When the pressure was on we managed to deliver results. The mentality in the group has been amazing, the boys have been hungry to dig ourselves out the hole we were in.
"For the first 25-30 minutes I thought we were really good."
On potential January additions, McGregor states: "We trust the club to get the players the manager and the staff want,” adding that having a say in signings is “above my pay grade”.
Celtic's potential opponents
22:07 , Chris WilsonSo, Celtic have finished 23rd in the league phase, so they will face one of the sides in 11th and 12th.
That is German side Stuttgart or Hungarian club Ferencvaros, who are currently managed by Robbie Keane!
FULL-TIME! Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
22:04 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:58 , Chris WilsonThe other matches haven’t all finished yet, but we’ll bring you news of Celtic’s likely play-off opponents when we have it!
FULL-TIME! Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:54 , Chris WilsonThe final whistle goes and Celtic have a hard-fought win over Utrecht to move into the Europa League play-offs!
It was more difficult than it needed to be but the Hoops go through and will have a chance to make the last 16 in this competition.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:51 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Another sub for Celtic as Tierney makes way for Murray.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Half a chance for McCowan and Bernardo, but neither can get the shot away after a nice pass from Iheanacho.
We’re into the first of three minutes of added time.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:48 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Celtic happy to just wind the clock down here as they approach a vital three points. They’re on their way to a play-off tie!
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:46 , Chris Wilson84 mins
Celtic go up the other end and win a corner, which McCowan delivers.
His delivery is cleared at first but his second attempt is better, forcing Barkas into palming it behind for another corner.
Celtic take it quickly but the hosts are happy to just keep possession before McGregor’s superb through ball finds Bernardo but his cross it cut out well.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:43 , Chris Wilson82 mins
An important block from Scales there, as he manages to prevent De Wit from firing in at the near post.
A superb challenge on replay!
Elsewhere in the Europa League
21:42 , Chris WilsonThe two English sides have already qualified – Villa automatically and Forest for the play-offs – but Unai Emery’s side are currently drawing 2-2 with RB Salzburg, while Forest are 3-0 up against Hungarian side Ferencvaros.
Villa are third and Forest 11th as it stands, with Celtic in 20th.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:38 , Chris Wilson77 mins
More changes for Celtic as Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan come on for Yang and Engels.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:36 , Chris Wilson74 mins
A bit of a lull in activity here as the hosts stay in control and look for a fifth to kill the game off.
Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:32 , Chris Wilson70 mins
It’s Celtic putting the pressure on now, though as we saw earlier Utrecht remain a threat on the counter.
Not this time though, as a cross from the left goes flying out for a throw on the other side.
GOAL! Celtic 4-2 Utrecht
21:27 , Chris Wilson65 mins
GOAL! Celtic have breathing space again!
It’s Trusty who restores the two-goal cushion, rising highest to head home from a corner.
GOAL! Celtic 3-2 Utrecht
21:27 , Chris Wilson62 mins
GOAL! Utrecht have made it very interesting!
Adrian Blake has put the finishing touches on a superb counter-attack, sweeping in from distance to cut the lead to just one goal!
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:21 , Chris Wilson61 mins
Changes for the visitors as Rodriguez and Murkin make way for Bozdogan and El Karouani.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins
CLOSE! That’s more like it!
McGregor fires a through ball into the path of the overlapping Donovan, who cuts it back to Nygren.
The Swede has the space to get the ball out of his feet and shoot from around eight yards, but Barkas makes a good save to tip it over.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:18 , Chris Wilson56 mins
Celtic are beginning to grow back into the game as the second half continues, with the hosts starting to turn the screw in attack once again.
A promising attack ends in a corner, and though the set-piece is cleared Celtic come again, with Nygren almost able to direct a shot at goal when arriving onto a cross at the near post.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:13 , Chris Wilson53 mins
More threat from the visitors but Cathline’s cross isn’t troubling Schmeichel.
Groans from the home fans though as Maeda gives the ball away too easily as he tried to hold up play, before another Cathline cross flies past the attacker at the back post.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:11 , Chris Wilson51 mins
Celtic have given the ball away far too easily a couple of times but it hasn’t harmed them yet.
Tounekti goes down under a challenge in the area but it was a fair one.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:09 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Half a chance for Utrecht as Blake makes the space on the wing for a cross before fizzing a ball in between Schmeichel and his defenders, but nobody is there to tap in!
KICK-OFF! Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:05 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Parkhead after a brief delay (as all the matches needed to kick off at the same time).
Celtic remain in control but they need to switch back on early on in this second half.
HALF-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
21:00 , Chris WilsonIt was all looking so rosy for Celtic, and while they still have a huge advantage this evening, they should be out of sight after a first half that they dominated.
Utrecht barely threatened at all until Celtic sat off and allowed De Wit to shoot on 44 minutes, with the Dutchman finishing well to give his side a lifeline.
Celtic should be able to control the second half and score more if they want to, but they need to switch back on after a couple of silly mistakes and some laziness towards the end of that half.
We’ll be back underway soon at Celtic Park.
HALF-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
20:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
20:49 , Chris WilsonThat’s pretty much the last action of the half, and Celtic have a big lead as they go into half-time.
Nevertheless, Martin O’Neill will be furious with the last five minutes or so of that half! Celtic are probably out of sight already, but they should be even further ahead.
Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
20:48 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into the first minute of the two added on. Utrecht win a free-kick in a fairly dangerous position but Celtic manage to clear.
Utrecht come again though, with a diagonal clipped ball towards the penalty spot finding Rodriguez, whose header forces a great save from Schmeichel!
The hosts have switched off several times in the last few minutes!
GOAL! Celtic 3-1 Utrecht
20:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
GOAL! Out of nowhere, Utrecht have a lifeline!
Celtic switched off at the back and gave De Wit far too much space, though it was still a great finish from the Dutchman as he fired in past Schmeichel from just within the ‘D’.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:42 , Chris Wilson42 mins
It’s been fairly stop-start since that yellow, with Utrecht enjoying a fairly long spell of possession. However, the visitors are barely even trying to threaten at the moment!
Elsewhere in the Europa League
20:41 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Little jeopardy for both of the other Uk sides still in the competition, with both Villa and Forest secure in the top eight and play-off places respectively.
Nevertheless, Villa are currently 1-0 down to RB Salzburg, with Forest 2-0 up against Ferencevaros.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:39 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Celtic want another penalty as a ball hits an arm in the area again, but they’re probably pushing their luck given how soft the first one was!
There’s another yellow card as Engels catches Rodriguez with his studs over the foot.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:38 , Chris Wilson35 mins
The Utrecht free-kick comes in from deep and the visitors end up winning a corner, but nothing comes of it.
The hosts remain extremely comfortable in possession, with a great combination between Donovan and Tierney ending with Celtic spreading it to Tounekti in the box, but the Tunisia international blasts wide as he tries to curl into the far corner.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:33 , Chris Wilson32 mins
It’s all Celtic unsurprisingly, with Utrecht still unable to create any pressure in attack.
Maeda gets an opening but he ends up heading Nygren’s cross wide at the near post.
Yang is given the first yellow card of the night for an elbow in the face.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:29 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Another half-chance for the hosts but the hooked cross from the left flies past Maeda and Yang at the back post.
Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:25 , Chris Wilson24 mins
The scoreboard makes a beautiful sight for Celtic fans then. Martin O’Neill definitely didn’t think it’d be this easy!
Utrecht have improved in possession since the third but they aren’t threatening the Celtic backline at all.
GOAL! Celtic 3-0 Utrecht
20:20 , Chris Wilson20 mins
GOAL!
Engles steps up and rifles it high into the right-hand corner, past Barkas despite the former Celtic ‘keeper diving the right way.
PENALTY TO CELTIC! Celtic 2-0 Utrecht
20:19 , Chris Wilson19 mins
It’s given! Celtic have a golden opportunity to all but seal this now!
Engels to take...
Celtic 2-0 Utrecht
20:18 , Chris Wilson17 mins
There’s a penalty check in favour of Celtic here. Didn’t look like there was a lot in it but the referee has been told to check it.
Replays show that Trusty’s header was going down towards the ground rather than towards goal, and while it did hit an arm, they were probably in a natural position.
This would be surprising...
Celtic 2-0 Utrecht
20:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Well, you do get the sense that this could already be wrapped up, especially since Utrecht have nothing to play for.
The hosts win a free-kick from around 28 yards – Nygren looks for the bottom corner but Barkas gets across to tip it wide.
GOAL! Celtic 2-0 Utrecht
20:12 , Chris Wilson10 mins
GOAL! The hosts have a second!
They get a bit of fortune but they were alert when it mattered.
Barkas plays a poor pass to a defender and Nygren latches onto it. He attempts to square the ball to Maeda but it doesn’t need another Celtic touch, as Viergever manages to bundle it into his own net!
Celtic 1-0 Utrecht
20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
A superb start for the hosts then, and they’ve looked untroubled throughout this opening 10 minutes.
Utrecht have travelled to Scotland on a poor run of form and the Dutch side already look nervy.
GOAL! Celtic 1-0 Utrecht
20:07 , Chris Wilson6 mins
GOAL! The hosts are ahead!
Theyve just created their first half-chance but they come again straight away from the corner.
The set-piece is taken quickly and Donovan finds Tierney in the box, with the Scotland full-back driving past a challenge and squaring it for Nygren, who just taps in from close range to open the scoring!
Celtic 0-0 Utrecht
20:05 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Donovan finds Maeda’s run into the box but the forward can’t take it in his stride and the chances goes begging.
Moments later, the Japan international does brilliantly to lead his side’s counter and win a free-kick near halfway.
Celtic 0-0 Utrecht
20:02 , Chris Wilson3 mins
An early corner for the visitors but it’s cleared easily. Utrecht are enjoying a little possession as we begin at Celtic Park.
KICK-OFF! Celtic 0-0 Utrecht
20:00 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Celtic Park!
A reminder that the hosts likely need a win to stay in the competition, with Utrecht already eliminated.
Celtic v Utrecht live
19:55 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at Celtic Park, so we’ll be underway soon in Glasgow!
Europa League: Celtic v Utrecht
19:50 , Chris Wilson
O'Neill speaks on transfers
19:45 , Chris WilsonCeltic boss Martin O'Neill has highlighted the club’s “need to strengthen the squad” ahead of the winter window closing on 2 February.
"It's what we are trying to do," he said. "Whether we have anyone in before the weekend, I don't know, but we are making strenuous efforts,” said O’Neill.
"I think we can do something. The days are pressing, but I'm hopeful. I'm reasonably confident we can do it.
"If we get through in the Europa League, there are at least a couple of games and you need a proper squad for that.
"We're trying to get as much quality as possible. Lots of names have been put forward - lots of people I've taken an interest in, one or two have been thwarted. But we're working on it,” he added.
How will the Europa League knockout phase play-off draw work?
19:40 , Chris WilsonThe clubs are paired together in relation to their league phase positions, forming four seeded pairs: positions 9 and 10, 11 and 12, 13 and 14, and 15 and 16. There will be four unseeded pairs: positions 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 21 and 22, and 23 and 24).
Clubs in each seeded pair will draw a tie against an unseeded pair: clubs 9 or 10 against clubs 23 or 24, clubs 11 or 12 against clubs 21 or 22, clubs 13 or 14 against clubs 19 or 20, and clubs 15 or 16 against clubs 17 or 18.
Teams from the same national association, or teams that have already met in the league phase, can all play against each other in the knockout phase play-offs.
Head-to-head
19:30 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have only met once, in the 2010/11 Europa League qualifying phase play-offs – the Dutch side lost 2-0 away in the first leg but won 4-0 in the second leg to progress on aggregate.
Europa League key dates
19:20 , Chris WilsonIf Celtic do make it through tonight, here are some key dates that they’ll be looking at:
Play-off first legs will be played on 19 February and second legs are slated to take place on 26 February.
Round of 16
First leg: 11/12 March
Second leg: 18/19 March
Quarter-finals
First leg: 8/9 April
Second leg: 15/16 April
Semi-finals
First leg: 29/30 April
Second leg: 6/7 May
Final
19/20 May - Besiktas Park, Istanbul
Celtic make their arrivals
19:15 , Will Castle
When is Europa League play-off draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
19:10 , Chris WilsonThe draw for the first knockout round in the 2025/26 Europa League is set to be made as the play-off qualifiers find out their fate.
A hectic league phase is nearing an end with those still in contention vying for places in both the top eight and middle 16.
Those select eight sides will progress directly to the round of 16, leaving the 16 below to face off in two-legged play-off ties to determine who progresses.
Of the 36 entrants into the league phase, as many as 28 teams are unsure of their fate entering the final round of fixtures ahead of Friday’s draw.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is Europa League play-off draw? Date, time, teams qualified and how to watch
Team news
19:04 , Chris WilsonCeltic boss Martin O’Neill has made just two changes to the side that drew to Hearts last weekend. Colby Donovan comes into defence at right-back in place of Julián Araujo, while Sebastian Tounekti gets the nod in the forward line ahead of Tomáš Čvančara.
Line-ups
18:57 , Chris WilsonUtrecht XI: Barkas; Vesterlund, van der Hoorn, Viergever, Murkin; Engwanda, Zechiel; Rodridguez, Cathline, Blake; De Wit.
Subs: Brouwer, Gadellaa, Van den Berg, Bozdogan, El Karouani, Didden, El Arguioui, Menzo, Haller, van Ommeren.
Ons Team 🙏 pic.twitter.com/HGiASxP4DN
— FC Utrecht (@fcutrecht) January 29, 2026
Line-ups
18:49 , Chris WilsonCeltic XI: Schmeichel; Donovan, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Engels. Nygren, Yang, Tounekti, Maeda.
Subs: Sinisalo, Doohan, Balikwisha, McCowan, Iheanacho, Bernardo, Murray, Forrest, McArdle, Ralston, Hale, Isiguzo.
📋 The Celtic XI for our final league phase match.#CelticUtrecht | #UEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/4s0E2b90KB
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 29, 2026
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi will miss out here through injury.
And Martin O’Neil must make do without the suspended Reo Hatate.
Kieran Tierney is a doubt after coming off against Hearts.
Match stats
18:30 , Chris WilsonCeltic have won their past two major European matches against Dutch opponents, both times beating Feyenoord (in December 2023 and November 2025).
And Utrecht are winless in 10 away major European matches (D2 L8) since winning 4-0 at MSK Zilina in October 2003 – they've only netted two goals in their 10 away games since.
Reo Hatate the hero and villain in dramatic Celtic draw at Bologna
18:15 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from a dramatic night in Bologna for Celtic last time out in this competition...
Ten-man Celtic lost a two-goal half-time lead but held on for what could be a precious Europa League point in Bologna.
Reo Hatate opened the scoring early on before collecting two yellow cards in three minutes. Auston Trusty doubled Celtic’s lead but Martin O’Neill’s side came under sustained pressure after the interval and goals from Thijs Dallinga and Jonathan Rowe brought Bologna level.
Although the Italian side managed 37 attempts at goal in total, both teams had chances to win it before the game finished 2-2.
Reo Hatate the hero and villain in dramatic Celtic draw at Bologna
Tonight's fixtures
18:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of Europa League fixtures for this evening:
Let's do this 👊#UEL pic.twitter.com/s88JCrzxoU
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 29, 2026
Celtic's Europa League permutations
17:50 , Chris WilsonCeltic currently sit 24th in the Europa League table, meaning they occupy the last of the play-off spots ahead of kick-off.
They cannot enter the automatic qualification spots even if they win, but they could fall out of the competition with either a draw or a loss tonight, with as many as six clubs able to leapfrog them with wins this evening.
Europa League standings
17:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s a reminder of the standings going into the final match of the Europa League league phase.
Celtic come into the final match in 24th, knowing a loss would likely see them drop out of the competition.
A reminder of the standings going into Matchday 8 📊#UEL pic.twitter.com/5iFRZSZhxf
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 29, 2026
How can I watch Celtic vs Utrecht?
17:25 , Chris WilsonThe match is scheduled to take place on Thursday 29th January 2026 at Celtic Park in Glasgow, Scotland, with kick-off set for 8pm.
The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 4 from 7pm, with subscribers also able to stream online via discovery+.
Celtic v Utrecht predicted lineups
17:15 , Jack RathbornCeltic predicted lineup: Schmeichel; Donovan, Trusty, Murray, Scales; Engels, McGregor, Nygren; Hyun-Jun, Maeda, Tounekti
Utrecht predicted lineup: Barkas; Horemans, Didden, Viergever, El Karouani; Engwanda, Bozdogan; Cathline, De Wit, Blake; Rodriguez
Celtic v Utrecht team news
13:44 , Jack RathbornAlistair Johnston, Callum Osmand, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jota, Kelechi Iheanacho and Marcelo Saracchi will miss out here through injury.
And Martin O’Neil must make do without the suspended Reo Hatate.
Kieran Tierney is a doubt after coming off against Hearts.
Celtic on track to advance in Europa League
13:34 , Jack RathbornCeltic enter tonight’s crunch Europa League game in 24th, just a point above the elimination zone and on track to reach the knockout phase play-offs.
With Ludogorets Razgrad pushing hard to catch and pass them in the finale, Celtic must beat Utrecht, who are third bottom of the 36 sides, having already been eliminated.
Martin O’Neil’s side will be determined to advance, having earned a precious point last time out in Bologna. Follow along for all the build-up and updates from Parkhead.
