Javi Rodríguez Brace Within Four Minutes Lifts Celta Past Celtic 2-1

Radu kept out Duran’s header before half-time

Celta had most of the ball in the opening spell, yet Celtic posed the bigger threat, mainly through Haissem Hassan. A cross from Hassan led to a header from Camilo Duran aimed at goal, which Ionut Radu tipped away. Callum Osmand then lifted a curling shot over the crossbar.

Celtic keeper Sam Johnstone also stood firm to deny Ferran Jutgla. Neither side found the net during its strongest phase, so the teams went in level at 0-0.

Baur finished a move he had started

Celtic broke the deadlock in the 47th minute. Baur won possession in midfield, found Hassan on the right and kept running forward. Celta cleared the first cross, but the ball fell back to Baur, who fired a low shot into the corner.

Liam Scales came close to doubling the advantage with a header that hit the bar. That chance mattered more later, as Celta pushed harder and Celtic had to repel a series of crosses and loose balls.

Rodriguez turned the game around in four minutes

Rodriguez rose to meet Hugo Alvarez’s free-kick and headed home in the 68th minute. Three minutes later he took a touch outside the box and drove a powerful right-footed shot into the net. Celtic had no time to regroup between the equaliser and the second goal.

It was Celtic’s third defeat in three Europa League games. Celta had lost their first two matches but now have three points. The visitors finished with 22 shot attempts and kept pushing forward after Baur’s goal. Celtic still produced useful moments through Hassan, Baur and Scales, but they failed to calm the game once they were ahead. Celta used that loose spell to score twice before the home defence could recover its shape. The visitors then saw out the closing stages without allowing Celtic a clear chance to equalise.