RC Celta beat Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park with two Javi Rodríguez goals

RC Celta secured a vital 2-1 victory over Celtic at Celtic Park in Glasgow on October 22, 2026, recovering from an early second-half deficit through a two-goal performance by Javi Rodríguez in the UEFA Europa League.

The win rescues Celta from a precarious European standing after Baur opened the scoring for the Scottish hosts early in the second half. Giráldez's side responded with set-piece preparations and tactical adjustments, preventing the Galician club from a scoreless exit from Glasgow and improving their standing in the continental competition.

Celtic vs. Celta Vigo: Extended Highlights | UEL League Phase MD 3 | CBS Sports Golazo

Claudio Giráldez Pushes for Tactical Control in Glasgow

Manager Claudio Giráldez approached the fixture aiming to disrupt Celtic’s domestic rhythm by forcing the Scottish side into prolonged defensive duties. Accustomed to dictating matches within the Scottish league, Celtic struggled initially to adapt to Celta’s territorial pressure, though the visitors failed to translate their early possession into clear breakthroughs against a packed midfield.

Iago Aspas started in the attack, flanked by efforts from Carreira and Rueda on the flanks, while Febas anchored the midfield distribution. Hugo Álvarez provided the most dynamic outlet for Celta during the opening period, orchestrating sequences that kept the Celtic backline occupied without yielding a decisive advantage before halftime.

Aerial view of celtic park football stadium at parkhead glasgow scotland uk

Baur Breaks the Deadlock Before Rodríguez Responds

Celtic seized the initiative immediately after the interval. In the opening moments of the second half, Baur capitalized on a defensive lapse in the Celta penalty area to beat goalkeeper Radu, putting the hosts ahead and heightening the stakes for the travelling Spanish side under Martin O’Neill’s tactical setup.

🔝 El cabezazo de 𝐉𝐚𝐯𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐝𝐫𝐢́𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐳. El cabezazo del celtismo para empatar el duelo en Celtic Park. #UEL #LaCasaDelFútbol

— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) October 22, 2026

Celta turned the match around following the introduction of Moriba and Williot, shifting their attacking momentum and exploiting set-piece routines overseen by Alberto Suárez. In the aftermath of a persistent attacking wave, Álvarez delivered an accurate lateral free-kick into the penalty area where Javi Rodríguez met the ball with a powerful header that beat Celtic’s goalkeeper to equalize.

Javi Rodríguez Seals the Comeback With a Late Strike

Four minutes after leveling the score, Rodríguez completed the turnaround. Freed from his previous back issues and deployed in a more advanced tactical role following Celta’s shift away from a three-man central defense, the player from Poio collected a loose ball at the edge of the box and drove a powerful shot past Johnstone into the left corner.

🤩 ¡¿Pero qué has hecho, Javi?! Latigazo de Javi Rodríguez para remontar, con un doblete, el partido en Glasgow. #UEL #LaCasaDelFútbol

— Movistar Plus Deportes (@MPlusDeportes) October 22, 2026

With Celtic exhausting their attacking resources through the introduction of forward Hogh and Forrest, Celta managed the closing minutes. Pablo Durán entered from the bench to absorb pressure, and although Williot missed opportunities to extend the lead, Radu secured a final cross deep into stoppage time to confirm the result.