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Celtic are still searching for their first win in this season's Europa League after falling to a timid defeat at the hands of Braga in Glasgow.
The hosts were hoping to build on an encouraging performance and result against Red Star Belgrade last week, but conceded either side of the break to their Portuguese visitors, who maintained their perfect start in the competition.
Kasper Schmeichel made a mess of a speculative Ricardo Horta effort after 20 minutes as Celtic fell behind, with substitute Gabri Martinez bundling in the second late on.
It could have been a different story were it not for the intervention of VAR, which ruled out a brilliant Kelechi Iheanacho finish for handball early in the second period, much to the striker's bemusement.
Brendan Rodgers' side welcome Sturm Graz to Parkhead on October 23, knowing that anything less than a win could all but end any hopes of progression to the knockouts.
Kevin McKenna was on hand to run the rule over Celtic on a disappointing evening in Glasgow...
Manager Brendan Rodgers is still searching for his first victory in Europe this season
Celtic could have no complaints over the result after putting in a lacklustre display
Kasper Schmeichel should have done better with a Ricardo Horta effort which put Braga ahead
CELTIC (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel 3
Consistently put his team in bother with poor distribution. Dreadful attempt to keep out Horta strike for first goal.
Colby Donovan 4
Teenager made a nervy start and that set the tone. So sloppy in possession and was hooked at the interval.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 5
Should have hit the target with late header. Unconvincing on the ball and never looked entirely comfortable.
Liam Scales 6
Didn’t have too much to do defensively. Wasn’t afforded any time by the Braga high press to build from the back.
Kieran Tierney 6.5
Back-post effort forced fine save from Hornicek as hosts pushed for leveller. Made two vital blocks in own area.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate were left frustrated at the full-time whistle
Callum McGregor 5
Captain had little influence on proceedings in dire first half. Guilty of taking the easy option when going forward.
Paulo Bernardo 4.5
Handed a rare opportunity to impress but faded badly after encouraging first quarter. Lost Horta for opening goal.
Benjamin Nygren 4
Game largely passed him by. Unable to find any space in between the lines, where he is normally so effective.
Daizen Maeda 5
Looked to have the beating of his man, but opted to cut inside far too often. Nothing really came off for him.
Kelechi Iheanacho saw his goal ruled out after the striker was adjudged to have used his hand
Sebastian Tounekti 7
Was a threat every time he got the ball. Appeared to be on a one-man mission at times to haul his side level.
Kelechi Iheanacho 6
Thought he’d equalised with lethal finish but VAR ruled it out. Some nice touches but starved of any service.
SUBSTITUTES: Saracchi (Donovan, 46), Hatate (Bernardo, 67), Engels (Nygren, 67), Forrest (Maeda, 77), Murray (Tierney, 81).
Brendan Rodgers 4
Must be alarmed by lack of intensity throughout. Changed the formation at half-time but to no avail.
BRAGA (3-4-2-1): Hornicek; Lagerbielke, Carvalho, Arrey-Mbi; Da Rocha (Gomez 46), Grillitsch (Moutinho 65), Gorby, Lelo; Pau Victor (Rodrigues, 70), Horta (Zalazar, 70; El Ouzzani (Martinez, 82).
REFEREE: Tobias Stieler (GER) 5
ATTENDANCE: N/A
