Europa League Celtic Vs Roma
Celtic Park has witnessed many memorable European nights, but the club’s Europa League meeting with AS Roma on 11 December 2025 became a difficult chapter for the Scottish side. Roma arrived with clear purpose and executed their plan with precision, while Celtic struggled to find rhythm or intensity in a match that quickly got away from them.
The Italian visitors secured a comfortable 3-0 victory through an early own goal and a first-half brace from Evan Ferguson. The result left Celtic with questions about their structure and tempo, while Roma strengthened their position in the group stage with a professional and disciplined performance.
Roma Take Early Control Through an Unfortunate Own Goal
Roma wasted no time applying pressure in the opening stages, and the early momentum forced Celtic into a reactive defensive shape. The breakthrough arrived in just the sixth minute, though not through Roma’s direct finishing. Celtic defender Liam Scales unintentionally headed the ball into his own net, handing Roma a 1-0 lead before the home supporters had settled into the match.
The own goal immediately altered the dynamics of the contest. Roma grew in confidence, pushing Celtic deeper and dictating the tempo. For Celtic, the early setback created urgency, but it also exposed gaps in defensive coordination that Roma continued to exploit. The visitors’ ability to maintain possession and circulate the ball efficiently ensured Celtic found it difficult to push forward in sustained phases.
Evan Ferguson Dominates the First Half With a Well-Taken Brace
As the half progressed, Roma’s attacking patterns became more assured, and their advantage doubled in the 36th minute. Irish striker Evan Ferguson produced a composed finish, marking his first of the evening and giving Roma full control of the game. His movement caused repeated problems for the Celtic back line, who struggled to track his positioning inside the box.
Read More
Ferguson then struck again in first-half stoppage time. His second goal, arriving at a crucial psychological moment, effectively put the match beyond Celtic’s reach. The brace highlighted his maturity and clinical edge, and also emphasized Roma’s tactical clarity in the final third.
Celtic, meanwhile, found themselves unable to disrupt Roma’s rhythm, and their defensive structure continued to appear uncertain under pressure.
A Missed Penalty Adds to Celtic’s First-Half Frustration
Celtic did have a significant opportunity to shift momentum before the interval. Arne Engels stepped up to take a penalty that could have brought the hosts back into the contest. However, his effort struck the post, denying Celtic a lifeline at a moment when they desperately needed something to change the complexion of the game.
The missed penalty compounded the frustration inside Celtic Park. Supporters, already disappointed by the early defensive mistake, were visibly concerned by the team’s lack of intensity. Roma entered half-time with a 3-0 lead and full control, while Celtic walked off knowing they had wasted the one chance that might have shifted the match in their favour.
Celtic Improve After the Break but Lack Cutting Edge
Celtic made tactical adjustments at half-time, and the shift helped them show more energy and purpose in the second half. The hosts pressed higher, moved the ball quicker, and attempted to reduce Roma’s comfort on the ball. For stretches, the improved intensity allowed Celtic to occupy Roma’s half more consistently.
Despite the improvement, Celtic struggled to create clear goal-scoring opportunities. Roma’s defensive line remained compact, well-disciplined, and alert, denying Celtic meaningful penetration. The visitors seemed content to protect their three-goal cushion while looking for chances to counter when space became available.
VAR Intervenes as Both Teams Have Goals Ruled Out
The second half also featured moments of drama through VAR decisions. Both Celtic and Roma had goals disallowed for offside after video review, denying the match any further changes on the scoreboard. These decisions underscored how finely balanced individual moments can be, even in matches with a clear scoreline.
For Celtic, the overturned goal added to the sense of a night where little went their way. For Roma, the disallowed effort did nothing to diminish their overall control, as they managed the game calmly until the final whistle.
Wilfried Nancy’s Difficult Start Continues
This match carried added significance for Celtic due to the new managerial era under Wilfried Nancy. Unfortunately for the club, the result made him the first Celtic manager to lose his opening two matches in charge. The early phase of his tenure has highlighted the challenges of implementing new ideas, especially in high-pressure European fixtures.
Read More
Nancy’s team lacked coordination in key defensive areas during the first half, and their offensive transitions failed to carry consistent threat. Supporters voiced their disappointment, particularly regarding the lack of intensity that has traditionally characterised Celtic at home. The manager now faces the task of rebuilding confidence and instilling clarity ahead of the remaining group matches.
Impact on the Europa League Group Table
The 3-0 defeat places Celtic in a difficult position in their Europa League group. With two matches still to play, qualification remains mathematically possible but increasingly challenging. The missed opportunities, defensive lapses, and overall inconsistency from this match underline the need for sharper execution in the games ahead.
Roma, on the other hand, strengthened their standing with a commanding away performance. Their attacking efficiency, combined with disciplined defending, positions them strongly as the group stage moves toward its conclusion.
The 3-0 victory at Celtic Park was defined by control, composure, and clinical finishing. An early own goal from Liam Scales set the tone, and Evan Ferguson’s first-half brace ensured Roma never had to leave their structured comfort zone.
Celtic improved after the break but were unable to overcome a damaging opening period and a missed penalty that could have shifted momentum.
For Celtic, the match raises important questions about defensive organisation and tactical clarity under Wilfried Nancy. For Roma, it was a professional European performance that showcased balance, intelligence, and attacking ruthlessness. With the group stage tightening, both sides now turn their attention to crucial upcoming fixtures.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of Celtic vs Roma?
A. Roma won 3-0 through an own goal from Liam Scales and two goals from Evan Ferguson.
Q2. Who scored the goals for Roma?
A. Evan Ferguson scored twice, and Roma also benefited from an early Celtic own goal.
Q3. Did Celtic miss a penalty in the match?
A. Yes. Arne Engels hit the post from the penalty spot in the first half.
Q4. Were there any VAR decisions?
A. Yes. VAR ruled out goals for both Celtic and Roma in the second half due to offside.
Q5. What does this result mean for Celtic’s Europa League hopes?
A. The defeat leaves Celtic in a difficult position with qualification still possible but more challenging with two group matches remaining.
Also Read- Leverkusen Vs Newcastle: Late Grimaldo Strike Denies Premier League Side A Famous Win
