Celtic beaten 4-1 by Benfica as O'Neill remains defiant
Dane Murray's early lapse gave Benfica a penalty, and Jhon Duran converted with a Panenka inside five minutes. Celtic then forced Anatoliy Trubin into saves through Kasper Hogh and Mika Baur.
Celtic made two changes for Benfica, with Auston Trusty and Oliver Sorensen replacing Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren. Camilo Duran kept his place as Martin O'Neill named his side for Lisbon.
O'Neill said Benjamin Nygren had a virus and wanted to see Oliver Sorensen's 'running power' against Benfica. Liam Scales was rested but tipped to feature from the bench in Lisbon.
Celtic's 4-1 defeat in Lisbon exposed defensive deficiencies and a nightmare first half, leaving Martin O'Neill's side with a second straight Europa League loss.
Celta Vigo travel to Glasgow with both sides on zero points. Yoel Lago said they 'have to win' and Javi Rueda believes Celtic can be beaten after their late loss to Juventus.
Camilo Duran and Haissem Hassan emerged with credit in Celtic's 4-1 loss at Benfica, but Dane Murray, Viljami Sinisalo, Oliver Sorensen and Sebastian Tounekti were among those marked down after defensive errors.
O'Neill insisted Celtic can still qualify despite a 4-1 defeat at Benfica. He rued the early penalty and 3-0 first half, but took heart from a 'terrific' second-half display.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha said he was not physically ready for Celtic, calling Scottish football 'four times as intense'. The Gent loanee hopes to leave permanently in 2027.
Chris Waddle said former Celtic target Eddie Howe will attract plenty of offers after Newcastle, with clubs likely to move when they 'press the panic button'.
Celtic host Hearts aiming to answer Benfica's 4-1 defeat and extend their lead. Martin O'Neill may start Camilo Duran centrally, while Hearts' away record and defence face a stern test.
Celtic were cut apart in Lisbon as Jhon Duran struck twice in a 4-1 defeat. Camilo Duran headed in and hit the post, and Vangelis Pavlidis sealed another Europa League loss.
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown said he turned down Cheltenham after leaving Fleetwood over finances and league position, and does not expect to return to management soon.
Pat Nevin called Celtic fan unrest 'extraordinary', warning protests against Dermot Desmond and a poor run had raised concern before Hearts, Celta Vigo and Hibernian.
