Celtic host Celta Vigo in matchday three of the Europa League, with thousands of fans travelling to Glasgow. But why is this match so special to Celta supporters?

The last time the sides met was on Celtic’s run to the UEFA Cup final in Seville under Martin O’Neill.

Having won the first leg of the third-round showdown 1-0, thanks to none other than Henrik Larsson, the Hoops made the journey to Spain for the second leg in December 2002. Celta Vigo won 2-1, but O’Neill’s side progressed on away goals thanks to John Harston’s goal.

See the Celtic fixtures for 2026/27 for what comes next.

For Celta fans, tonight’s match goes beyond anything on the pitch. They’ve packed out Irish bars across Glasgow and have an allocation of 2,600, with over 3,000 expected to be in the city, a record-ever away following for the club.

Instagram account La Liga and Beyond (@laligaandbeyond) shared some context as to why so many of their fans are making the journey over for the clash.

Galicians often have Celtic festivals within the area, and to add to that, ‘Celta’ is of course Spanish (or Galician) for Celtic.

It adds context as to why so many of their fans have been raving about this fixture since it was announced.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by La Liga & Beyond | Spanish Football (@laligaandbeyond)

The official Celta Vigo X account (@RCCelta) even spared a moment to appreciate being inside Celtic Park.

In a post, the club said:

“Scenarios we dreamed of for years and moments that, someday, we will remember with the emotion of those who know they lived something unique.

“Many years from now, we will still be talking about these nights. About where we were, what we felt, and the pride of being Celta fans. A STORY TO TELL.”

So it’s a special trip that their fans will remember for a long time, regardless of the result.

Of course, both sides will be focused on getting a positive result. Neither team have picked up a point yet, which adds another layer to the magnitude of the match.

If the Hoops are to stand any real chance of qualifying from the league phase, a victory is needed tonight.

Fans of both clubs will enjoy sharing cultures, and likely a few beers, after the game. In the meantime, though, it’s full focus on the fixture that lies ahead.