UEL: Celtic Fightback Secures 2-1 Win Over Sturm Graz in Europa League

Celtic stages thrilling turnaround to beat Sturm Graz 2-1

Celtic came from behind to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 in a thrilling Europa League match, with Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren scoring crucial goals in a dramatic second-half turnaround.

The Austrians' failure to double their lead proved costly as Celtic staged a dramatic turnaround...

Celtic finally secured their first UEFA Europa League win, coming from behind to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 at home.

The victory came after a setback early on, as striker Kelechi Iheanacho was forced off with an injury in just the fourth minute. Despite this, Celtic showed resilience to turn the game around and claim the win.

Substitute Johnny Kenny had a golden chance to score after a swift counter-attack, but his shot flew wide of the far post.

Moments later, the hosts fell behind when Tomi Horvat unleashed a stunning long-range effort, rifling a left-footed shot into the top corner and scoring in back-to-back European matches.

Celtic had another scare when Otar Kiteishvili's shot rattled the goal frame, but they managed to survive the pressure.

The hosts then came close to equalizing when Arne Engels' header was cleared off the line by Emanuel Aiwu, keeping Sturm Graz's lead intact.

Sturm Graz pushed for a second goal after the break, but Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart made a crucial save on Tomi Horvat's free-kick, and Jon Gorenc Stanković headed wide from the resulting corner.

The Austrians' failure to double their lead proved costly as Celtic staged a dramatic turnaround, scoring two goals in three minutes after the hour mark. Liam Scales broke the deadlock in the 61st minute with a header from a corner kick, before Benjamin Nygren doubled the home side's tally three minutes later, also from a corner.

The Bhoys shift gears and power to a 2-1 comeback 💪#CelticSturmGraz | #UEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/dpL6oHvkBE

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 23, 2025

Celtic crafted a beautiful short corner routine that ended with Liam Scales scoring with a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Benjamin Nygren doubled the lead shortly after, heading home from Arne Engels' pinpoint corner delivery, sparking a frenzy at Celtic Park.

Sturm Graz's hopes of a comeback were crushed when Tochi Chukwuani was sent off for a reckless tackle on Callum McGregor.

Celtic controlled the final stages and earned a vital three points, catapulting them up the standings to 21st spot, while Sturm Graz slipped to 26th, a point behind.