Celtic and Celta face off in Glasgow: history and 3,000 fans

Celtic and Celta will meet on Thursday, October 22 at 21:00 at Celtic Park, in the third round of the Europa League. The match brings together two clubs that share a name and roots, and will be played in front of an expected crowd of thousands of supporters.

Origins of Celtic

Celtic was founded on November 6, 1887 in Calton, a modest neighbourhood of Glasgow. It was driven by Brother Walfrid, an Irish cleric who sought funds to feed poor children. He chose a name that would unite Scots and Irish, creating an identity that endures to this day.

Birth of Celta

Celta arrived on August 23, 1923 through the merger of Real Vigo Sporting and Real Fortuna. Among the names considered was “Breogán”, inspired by the Irish legend of the king who raised a tower in Brigantia and from which his descendant Íth sighted Ireland. Thus, the club adopted a historical reference that links Galicia with Celtic mythology.

The two sides had already met in the UEFA Cup 2002‑2003. Celtic won 1‑0 in Glasgow and lost 2‑1 at Balaídos, but progressed thanks to John Hartson’s away goal. That team, managed by Martin O’Neill, reached the final in Seville; 24 years later, O’Neill returns to take charge of the Scottish bench.

Fans' Voices

May we not forget what we are living 🥹 Europe. Glasgow. Celtic Park. Stages with which we have dreamed for years and moments that, one day, we will remember with the emotion of those who know they experienced something unique.

At least three footballers have worn both shirts. Jorge Cadete scored 30 league goals for Celtic in the 1996‑1997 season, John Guidetti was loaned to Glasgow before playing in Vigo, and Carl Starfelt won five titles in Scotland before joining Celta in 2023.

It is estimated that about 3,000 Celtic supporters will travel 1,600 kilometres to fill the away stand. The Green Brigade, Celtic’s supporters’ group, announced a boycott of home European matches due to its clash with the board, meaning the absent fans will miss their presence.

Sportingly, both arrive without points: Celta lost to Omonia and Juventus, while Celtic fell to Ferencváros and Benfica. After the match in Glasgow, Celta will host Union Saint‑Gilloise at Balaídos on Thursday, November 5.