European Super Football

Celtic 2 - 1 Sturm Graz Celtic mounted an impressive second-half surge to secure their first Europa League victory of the campaign and overcome 10-man Sturm Graz. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Celtic Park Celtic corner Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren struck in quick succession as Brendan Rodgers’ side finally found their rhythm, much to the delight of a relieved Celtic Park crowd. The Scottish champions entered the night under scrutiny, with only a single point from their opening two group fixtures and a league defeat by Dundee still fresh in the mind. Given testing away trips to Midtjylland and Feyenoord looming next month, the need for three points here felt crucial. Closer analysis of what happened in Glasgow Pre-match huddle There was early frustration, followed by Kelechi Iheanacho limping off within minutes. It did appear to be a worrying sign. Celtic’s energy and ambition were clear, but their end product remained elusive, even as they carved out a series of clear...

Brann 3 - 0 Rangers Danny Rohl’s introduction as Rangers head coach brought little respite to the beleaguered Scottish side. Author | Mark Lee  Stadium | Brann Stadion A sharp and composed Brann eased to victory and left Rangers rooted to the bottom of the 36-team league.  Emil Kornvig and Jacob Sorensen struck either side of the interval to take advantage of Rangers’ wastefulness, before a late finish from the lively Noah Holm deepened the gloom for the visitors in Bergen. Rohl arrived only three days earlier, so a rapid transformation was never likely, yet this outing served as a reminder of the ongoing problems that have haunted Rangers throughout a troubled campaign. There were early signs of hope  Rangers opened with urgency and purpose, pressing high and carving out an early opening as Youssef Chermiti could not make clean contact with a deft Joe Rothwell ball. Jack Butland was kept busy as the visitors drifted back into old habits, producing a series of sto...

There will be a new head coach at Rangers after a chaotic few weeks at Ibrox. Rangers have brought an end to their lengthy search for a new head coach by appointing Danny Rohl, the former Sheffield Wednesday manager. Author |  Mark Lee We can today confirm the appointment of Danny Röhl as men’s first-team head coach. Full Details ⬇️ — Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) October 20, 2025 Russell Martin was dismissed after 17 games on 5 October, with Rangers subsequently holding unproductive talks with former manager Steven Gerrard, Rohl and ex-Ibrox defender Kevin Muscat. Negotiations with Muscat, who is close to winning the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Port, broke down, reopening the door for Rohl. He has now signed an initial two-and-a-half-year contract. Why has it taken so long? Rohl managed Sheffield Wednesday from October 2023 until July 2025, having previously held coaching roles with RB Leipzig, Southampton, Bayern Munich and the German national team. Gerrard ...

Scotland 2 - 1 Belarus With supporters expecting goals against a beleaguered Belarus side who had already conceded 13 times in Group C, Scotland managed only two. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Hampden Park It might have been a far more uncomfortable evening for Steve Clarke, who was taking charge of his record 72nd match as men’s head coach. Evgeni Malashevich’s composed finish for what would have been a Belarus equaliser was ruled out following a VAR review, and Hleb Kuchko’s injury-time effort reduced the deficit with just minutes remaining. There were moments in the second half, with the score still 1-0, when unease spread around Hampden Park. Belarus were moving the ball confidently while Scotland sat deep, prompting boos from the stands. Those jeers returned at full time, mingling with scattered applause. It was a reaction born of frustration that had simmered from the start as Belarus played with more intent than many expected. Scotland’s smash-and-grab win over Greece...

Scotland 3 -  1 Greece Scotland moved closer to a World Cup play-off place as Lewis Ferguson scored his first international goal to inspire a dramatic comeback against a dominant Greece at Hampden. Author | Sean M Stadium | Hampden Park In his record-equalling 71st game in charge, head coach Steve Clarke’s side sought revenge for their Nations League relegation at the hands of Greece at the same stadium in March. For more than an hour, Scotland struggled against the visitors, who looked certain to be ahead by at least three goals before Roma left-back Kostas Tsimikas converted a rebound just after the hour. The Tartan Army voiced their frustration loudly, but Ryan Christie quickly restored parity from a corner, with his effort surviving a lengthy VAR review, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround. Ferguson then struck from close range following a scrappy free-kick with 10 minutes remaining, turning tension into euphoria as Clarke’s side seized a priceless lead. The victo...

Scotland v Greece Preview A win here would be a huge statement of intent from Scotland as they look to secure a place in next summer’s World Cup. Author | Alan White Stadium | Hampden Park Let's explore where Scotland's game against Greece might be won and if they have to what it takes to reach their first World Cup since 1998. Fortress Hampden? Hampden Park has history, but it is not always easy to say it has heart and soul when Scotland play there. There have been thunderous exceptions, of course. The 2-0 victory over Spain in March 2023 , complete with Rodri’s tears, remains unforgettable, as does the storm-lashed triumph over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Georgia a few months later, inspired by Scott McTominay. Scotland v Spain | Euro 2024 Qualifying An arena unloved by many, Hampden still has the capacity to shake on its best nights. Scotland will need one of those on Thursday, when Greece arrive in Glasgow desperate to revive their own World Cup hopes while denting those of the...

Another season. Another sacking of a Rangers manager. Why do they keep getting it wrong and how can they avoid making same mistakes again? Author | Mark Lee With champagne dripping from his hair and a 2020-21 Scottish Premiership winner's medal around his neck, then manager Steven Gerrard urged Rangers to "fix the roof while the sun is shining". Four years on, the roof remains in disrepair and the sunshine has long faded. Since that title triumph, Rangers have gone through four managers: Gerrard, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and Philippe Clement, before reaching Martin. Under Van Bronckhorst, the club came agonisingly close to European glory, losing the Europa League final on penalties before lifting the Scottish Cup days later. He departed with Rangers nine points adrift of Celtic the following season. Beale and Clement both started brightly but their tenures quickly unravelled. Beale was dismissed with Rangers seven points behind Celtic; Clement’s side we...

Sturm Graz 2 - 1 Rangers Rangers’ troubled start to the season deepened with a second successive Europa League defeat, this time against Austrian champions Sturm Graz. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Merkur Arena View from the away end A stoppage-time winner at Livingston on Sunday had finally given Russell Martin ’s side their first Premiership victory at the seventh attempt, but any sense of momentum was quickly undone by Tomi Horvat ’s early strike. Rangers contributed to their own downfall once again. James Tavernier’s careless throw-in deep inside his own half was punished swiftly, the ball worked back and fired beyond the uncertain Jack Butland. The defence as a whole was culpable for the second. A precise free-kick sliced through a static backline and Otar Kiteishvili, the Georgian international, finished decisively before half-time. READ MORE |  Braga stun Celtic after VAR controversy READ MORE |  Postecoglou endures fan backlash after a damaging defeat If the night looked...

Celtic 0 - 2 Braga Celtic suffered further European disappointment as goals in each half and a controversial disallowed equaliser earned Braga victory in what was a chaotic encounter. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Celtic Park Kick-off Kasper Schmeichel had an error-strewn game in goal and failed to keep out Ricardo Horta 's early long-range effort, which stunned the Celtic Park crowd into silence. The Dane then did well to keep out a late shot but was helpless when the ball bounced off Gabri Martinez in a botched clearance and rebounded into the net to seal all the points. After their Champions League qualification failure against Kairat Almaty , and an opening Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade , this continued Celtic's disappointing start to their European campaign. In fact, so sharp has been the drop-off since last season, that Brendan Rodgers ' side may struggle to qualify for the latter stages of the Europa League unless they can find their way again, and q...

Rangers 0 - 1 Genk Rangers’ woeful start to the season continued as Oh Hyeon-gyu’s goal, combined with Mohamed Diomande’s first-half red card, handed Genk a Europa League victory. Author |  Mark Lee Stadium |  Ibrox Kick-off in Glasgow Under-pressure head coach Russell Martin was seeking successive wins for the first time, but his side were second-best for long periods against a Belgian side who squandered numerous opportunities. In recent seasons, this competition has offered Rangers a welcome distraction from domestic struggles, but it quickly became apparent that even that would elude them this time. The result added to Martin’s mounting frustrations, highlighting his inability to generate momentum or positivity. Discipline issues cost Russell Martin’s side Rangers were already on the back foot before Diomande lunged recklessly at Zakaria El Ouahdi just before half-time. A straight red card was fully justified. Earlier in the match, John Souttar had appeared to provide a ...

Red Star Belgrade 1 - 1 Celtic Celtic earned a hard-fought point in their Europa League opener against Red Star Belgrade in a contest that rarely sparked into life. Author |  Sean M Stadium | Stadion Rajko Mitić Celtic fans watch on in the background Second-half goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Marko Arnautovic ensured the spoils were shared, though neither side offered much to suggest they would have belonged at Europe’s top table. Iheanacho, reunited with Brendan Rodgers after joining late in the transfer window , replaced the ineffective Daizen Maeda at the interval and justified the change almost immediately. The former Manchester City and Leicester forward latched on to a clever pass from summer signing Benjamin Nygren and finished calmly past goalkeeper Matheus, moments after squandering a simpler chance from close range. Red Star, however, had threatened before the break. Bruno Duarte struck the side netting and later rattled the crossbar in a first half where the hosts look...

Belarus 0 - 2 Scotland Scotland claimed a straightforward but valuable win over Belarus to maintain their promising start to World Cup qualifying. Author | Sean M Stadium | ZTE-Aréna  Friday’s battling draw in Denmark had been hard won but risked being diminished had Steve Clarke ’s side slipped against the group’s lowest-ranked team. There was little danger of that once Che Adams struck the opener before forcing the own goal that sealed the points after the interval. Closer look at what happened With no atmosphere to feed off, the onus was on Scotland to create their own intensity. This had the potential to be a difficult match.  Clarke made four changes, one of them recalling Bournemouth’s Ben Gannon Doak. The 19-year-old was the player who most often quickened the pulse with his direct running, even if his final ball occasionally lacked precision. More established figures again carried the threat, with Scott McTominay heading John McGinn ’s cross into Adams’ path fo...

Denmark 0 - 0 Scotland Scotland began their bid to reach a first World Cup since 1998 with a valuable draw against Denmark in a feverish atmosphere. Author | Sean M Stadium | Parken Stadium Pre-match atmosphere Steve Clarke’s side, who were swept aside on their last visit four years ago, stood firm this time and even threatened to claim a famous victory in Copenhagen, something not achieved since 1975. Ryan Christie nodded narrowly wide and John McGinn spurned a good chance at the far post during a first half that exceeded expectations. After the interval Scott McTominay wriggled to the byline only for Kasper Schmeichel to save, while Lyndon Dykes delayed fatally when the goal beckoned. Denmark were restricted mostly to speculative efforts until the closing minutes, when Angus Gunn had to react sharply to Rasmus Højlund’s volley. Scotland ’s resilience was matched by a touch of fortune as substitute Max Johnston escaped with only a yellow card after handling to deny a clear opportunit...

Denmark v Scotland preview Could we be seeing the beginning of Steve Clarke's last dance as Scotland boss? Author | Alan White Stadium | Parken Scotland players celebrate a memorable win over Denmark in 2021 Scotland look in danger of stalling under Steve Clarke, who is still searching for a first World Cup qualification of this century. The March international break brought fresh disappointment as they were relegated from their Nations League group after a chastening defeat to Greece . The players building their careers and thriving in Italy Scotland have retained individual quality, with the likes of Scott McTominay central to their hopes. Like the former Manchester United midfielder, Billy Gilmour is also a league winner with Napoli , while Lewis Ferguson captains Bologna and lifted the Coppa Italia last season.  Teenager Lennon Miller has already traded Motherwell for Udinese after making his international debut earlier this year. Che Adams is starting his second season ...

Celtic have signed Kelechi Iheanacho on a free transfer Brendan Rodgers has backed the forward to make a significant impact after the Nigerian striker joined the club as a free agent just before the Europa League. Author | Sean M The 28-year-old has signed a one-year deal in Glasgow, only a day after agreeing to terminate his contract with Sevilla. His arrival comes amid mounting frustration from supporters over the club’s failure to bring in a forward on transfer deadline day. Iheanacho has not played any football since May. This was a late substitute appearance in Nigeria's friendly draw with Jamaica. Despite the backlash, Rodgers was confident his new signing would settle quickly. His pedigree is not in doubt. For Nigeria he has scored 15 times in 58 appearances, playing a part in their run to the Africa Cup of Nations final in 2023. Tipped for stardom as a teenager, he was nominated for the Fifa Golden Boy award in 2016 and made his Manchester City debut at 18. He scored 2...

Legia Warsaw 3 - 3 Hibernian (Legia Warsaw won 5-4 on aggregate) Hibernian's Conference League dream was crushed in heartbreaking fashion as Legia Warsaw denied the Scottish side one of their great European results in an incredible six-goal play-off thriller. Author | Andy C Stadium | Stadion Miejski Legii Warszawa A passionate home support watches on After the Edinburgh side, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, silenced a hostile home crowd in the Polish capital with a remarkable three-goal fightback to lead 3-1 on the night, Juergen Elitim 's 93rd-minute aggregate leveller took a breathtaking encounter to extra time. The Leith side tired and suffered complete heartache when Mileta Rajovic smashed past goalkeeper Jordan Smith eight minutes after the restart. A closer look at what happened Needing to recover a first-leg defeat against a club who reached the quarter-finals of this competition last season, Gray challenged Hibs to create a "special night" in Warsaw ....

Club Brugge 6 - 0 Rangers (Club Brugge won 9-1 on aggregate) Russell Martin’s Rangers crashed out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion, suffering a record-equalling six-goal defeat against Club Brugge to seal a heavy aggregate loss. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Jan Breydelstadion Pre match atmosphere Before kick-off Martin insisted Rangers were “calm” despite a stuttering start to the season, but supporters are unlikely to share that sentiment with Celtic due at Ibrox  on Sunday. A closer look at a terrible first 45 minutes An error-strewn opening eight minutes in Belgium encapsulated Martin’s difficult start as manager, with Rangers five goals down by the interval. The defence crumbled as  Nicolo Tresoldi ’s diving header found the net and Max Aarons was dismissed three minutes later for dragging down  Christos Tzolis  after a simple ball sliced through the back line. Captain Hans Vanaken headed in from a corner before the hosts scor...

Kairat 0 - 0 Celtic (The match finished 0-0 on aggregate) Kairat won 3-2 on penalties Celtic’s Champions League hopes came to a shuddering halt in Kazakhstan as Brendan Rodgers’ side crashed out on penalties to Kairat Almaty, failing to score across 210 minutes of football. Author | Sean M Stadium | Ortalyq stadıon Substitute Adam Idah saw his opening spot-kick saved, while goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov denied Luke McCowan and, crucially, Daizen Maeda to seal a 3-2 shootout win. It was a historic night for Kairat , who reached the group stage for the first time in their history. Maeda had earlier wasted Celtic ’s best chance, blazing over from close range five minutes from the end of normal time after latching on to a Callum McGregor through ball. McCowan also came close in extra time with a fierce strike that was pushed away. A closer look at what happened The prelude to this tie had been dominated by criticism of Celtic’s lacklustre first-leg display and the absence of meani...

Aberdeen 2 - 2 FCSB Dante Polvara and Ester Sokler came off the bench to breathe life into Aberdeen’s Europa League ambitions, rescuing a draw against 10-man FCSB after trailing by two goals. Author | Mark Lee Stadium | Pittodrie Pre match atmosphere Defensive errors threatened to undo the Scottish Cup winners in the play-off first leg at Pittodrie, even after the Romanian champions were reduced to 10 men for almost an hour. Jack Milne and Gavin Molloy collided under a high ball, allowing Daniel Birligea to break the deadlock while both sides were still at full strength. Just after the interval, Molloy and substitute Mats Knoester failed to clear their lines and Birligea capitalised again, squaring for Darius Olaru to double the lead. That lapse undermined the advantage Aberdeen might have gained from Juri Cisotti ’s dismissal shortly before half-time for a rash challenge on Nicolas Milanovic . READ MORE |  Europa League 25/26 season But Polvara ’s introduction shifted the m...