Celtic vs Celta Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 22 October 2026

📊 The two sides have met twice, both in the third round of the 2002/03 UEFA Cup. In November 2002, Celtic won the home leg 1-0, but lost in Spain two weeks later, 1-2. The aggregate score and goals scored were level, but the Scottish side went through on the away goals rule.

That European campaign was a historic one for Celtic. After Celta, they eliminated Stuttgart, Liverpool and Boavista to reach the UEFA Cup final, where they lost to Porto 2-3 after extra time.

Celta have scored less than you might expect from a side that reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League last season. In nine La Liga rounds they have scored 10 goals, with half of those coming in a single match against Racing. In four league games they have failed to score at all, and they also drew a blank against Omonia in their Europa League opener. In total, Celta have gone without a goal in 5 of their 11 matches this season.

Celtic's situation is the opposite: their attack has been working well in the domestic league, but their European defensive record has been too leaky so far. The home match against the Spanish side does give the Scottish club a chance to put that right. Celta do not always cope well under pressure, and their attacking options could be further limited by personnel losses up front. Our pick: Both Teams to Score - No at 2.17*.

Celtic are one of the leaders in the Scottish Premiership for corners. Over nine rounds, the club have earned 81 corners - an average of 9 per match. At home, that figure stands at 8.8, and they have delivered at least five corners in all nine of their league matches. Even the defeat to Rangers did not stop them from regularly working play into positions for set pieces.

Against Benfica, Celtic earned 6 corners despite spending much of the first half on the back foot and having to chase the game. The match against Hearts further illustrated the danger from deliveries, with the hosts' first two goals both coming from corners. Celta will no doubt look to avoid an open game, but if Celtic sustain prolonged pressure, they will be forced to defend deep in their own box for long periods. The pick: Celtic Team Total Corners - Over 4.5 at 1.67*.

Celta's matches this season have rarely produced an excessive number of bookings. Over their last 10 games, the average total has been 3.9 yellow cards, and in six of those matches the referee showed no more than four. Their European fixtures have been particularly calm - there was just one yellow card against Omonia, and the match against Juventus brought four bookings between the two sides. Celta are not among the most ill-disciplined teams in the competition, though they do pick up more cards away from home.

Celtic in the Scottish Premiership also don't turn every match into a series of physical battles. Even in their recent game against Benfica, the two sides received just three bookings despite the heavy scoreline and competitive nature of the match. The Galicians will probably look to control the tempo through possession, while the hosts will try to use quick attacks and press the opposition defence. With that in mind, we're not expecting a high volume of fouls and cards. The pick is Total Yellow Cards - Under 4.5.

*Odds are indicative and may vary across different bookmakers.

⭐ Editorial Prediction

Celtic received a painful lesson in Lisbon but quickly showed they can respond to setbacks with aggressive football. The thrashing of Hearts matters particularly from a psychological standpoint - the Scots didn't just win, they had the match virtually settled before half-time. Celta also won in their most recent fixture, though their attacking output remains modest. Across two Europa League matches the Spanish side have scored just once, and the absence of several attacking players could make their task considerably harder.

At home, Celtic are capable of sustaining long spells of pressure with plenty of chances, especially against a side that has to sit deep. The Galicians can keep the ball, but they have not been effective in the final third so far, and their most recent match against Alavés again exposed problems when it came to protecting a lead. Celtic look capable of using home advantage to produce a high-scoring match on their own terms, particularly after such a convincing league performance. Predicted score: 3-0. Editorial prediction: Total Goals - Over 2.5.