Celtic's Europa League path opens with Marseille and Benfica

Martin O'Neill’s Celtic have been relegated to the Europa League after a Champions League play‑off loss to Austrian side LASK on Tuesday, meaning the Scottish giants will now navigate a group that includes Marseille and Benfica among other European opponents in the competition.

Martin O'Neill’s side saw their Champions League hopes end with the defeat, dropping them straight into the Europa League.

Group stage opponents confirmed

The Friday draw gave Celtic a home tie against Marseille, Ferencvaros, Celta Vigo and Besiktas, while away trips will see them face Benfica, Union Saint‑Gilloise, Omonia Nicosia and Torreense.

Republic of Ireland youngster Jaden Umeh is on Benfica’s books, but the Cork teenager is sidelined after surgery on an injury suffered in a pre‑season friendly.

Other clubs in the competition include AC Milan and RB Salzburg in Austria, highlighting the breadth of opponents Celtic could encounter.

UEFA will confirm the exact dates of the fixtures across the weekend.

Celtic’s first Europa League match will be at home against Marseille, setting the tone for their campaign.

Later in the group, Celtic will travel to Benfica, completing a schedule that tests the squad across several nations.