Celtic Glasgow Faces Besiktas in Crucial Europa League Matchup
The Scottish side looks to secure its first points of the tournament against an in-form Besiktas squad at Celtic Park.
Celtic Glasgow is set to host Besiktas Istanbul on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in a pivotal UEFA Europa League group stage encounter. The match, scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time at Celtic Park, represents a significant challenge for the home side as they attempt to revitalize their European campaign.
The two clubs are meeting for the first time in an official competitive fixture, marking a historic debut for both teams. This lack of head-to-head history means that neither side can rely on past tactical patterns or psychological advantages, placing the focus entirely on current form and performance levels.
Celtic enters the contest under considerable pressure, having failed to secure a single point in their first three group stage matches. The team has struggled significantly on the defensive end, conceding an average of three goals per game in the competition. Furthermore, their domestic form in the Scottish Premiership has been inconsistent, yielding only four points from their last three league outings.
In contrast, Besiktas arrives in Glasgow with strong momentum. The Turkish side has performed well in the Europa League, securing victories against Olympique de Marseille and Hoffenheim, alongside a draw with Crystal Palace. Their ability to perform in away environments has been a hallmark of their recent success, as they have won three of their last four international matches on the road.
Tactically, the match presents a contrast in current confidence levels. Besiktas, currently sitting in fourth place in the Turkish Süper Lig, relies on the creative contributions of players like J. Olaitan, who has provided three assists in the tournament, and defender Amir Murillo, who has contributed two goals. While there is uncertainty regarding the availability of midfielder Orkun Kökçü, the visiting team remains optimistic about their chances of solidifying their standing in the group.
For Celtic, the match is a must-win scenario. A loss would likely signal the end of their progression hopes in the competition. Managerial staff will look to key players, including M. Baur, who leads the team with two goals in the Europa League, to provide the necessary spark to break through the Besiktas defense. With a full squad available, the home team hopes to utilize the support of the Celtic Park crowd to overcome their recent struggles.
Broadcasting for the match will be handled by TNT Sports 3 in the United Kingdom, with streaming options available via HBO Max for those with the appropriate sports package. In Germany, RTL+ serves as the primary streaming destination for the Europa League fixture.