Celtic’s Europa League fixtures have been confirmed following the draw that took place on Friday. The Hoops are set to face a challenging lineup including Feyenoord, Roma, and Red Star Belgrade among others. The draw has sparked a mixed reaction from fans, with anticipation building as the dates for each game are expected to be confirmed over the weekend.
Remarkably, Celtic will come face to face with two former players, Vasilis Barkas and Gustaf Lagerbielke, during the Europa League fixtures. Barkas, who struggled during his time at Celtic before moving on to Utrecht on loan and then a permanent deal, will now have the opportunity to play against his former club. Lagerbielke, who recently joined Braga after a loan stint at FC Twente, will also face his former team. Lagerbielke notably made a mark by scoring a crucial winner against Feyenoord in a Champions League match back in 2023.
Both Barkas and Lagerbielke will be looking to prove a point and seek a measure of revenge as they come up against Celtic. Although their time at Celtic didn’t meet expectations, the players have since moved on to new challenges and are focused on their respective journeys in their current clubs. The matchups between Celtic and their former players add an intriguing storyline to the upcoming Europa League fixtures, promising an interesting and competitive atmosphere on the pitch.