Benfica - Celtic

Benfica enter this Europa League matchday 2 clash at Estadio da Luz with significant momentum, having secured a clean-sheet victory over Vitoria de Guimaraes last weekend. The hosts have demonstrated clinical form throughout their domestic campaign and carried that confidence into Europe with a notable win against AC Milan in their opening continental fixture. Despite the absence of Enzo Barrenechea, the expected XI remains potent, with Anatoliy Trubin anchoring a defensive unit that has been difficult to break down in recent weeks.

Celtic arrive in Lisbon looking to stabilize their European form following a difficult defeat to Ferencvaros. While they managed a solid win against Motherwell on 11 October 2026, the visitors face a stiff challenge without the injured Cameron Carter-Vickers and Hyun-Jun Yang. Historically, these sides last met in the 2012 Champions League group stage, where Benfica edged the encounter in Portugal.