Celtic roared back to life in the Europa League with two quickfire goals in the second half, overturning a deficit to defeat 10-man Sturm Graz 2-1 at Parkhead.
The Scottish champions had fallen behind to a stunning long-range strike from Tomi Horvat, whose 30-yard rocket briefly put the Austrian side on course to join Barcelona’s 2007–08 team as one of the few to beat both Celtic and Rangers in European competition within the same season.
Brendan Rodgers’ men, under pressure after collecting just one point from their opening two group games, squandered several early chances before finally turning the tide.
Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren both struck from corners in a frantic three-minute spell shortly after the hour mark to seal a vital comeback victory.
Sturm Graz’s hopes of a late rally were dashed when Tochi Chukwuani was sent off in the 70th minute for a reckless challenge on Celtic skipper Callum McGregor.
Despite a late flurry from the visitors, Celtic held firm to claim the points, though the night was not without setbacks.
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho and full-back Alistair Johnston both limped off with hamstring injuries in the first half. It was a cruel blow for Johnston, who was making his first appearance since suffering a similar issue during the Champions League playoff against Kairat Almaty.
With Daizen Maeda already sidelined, Johnny Kenny led the line and impressed with his energy, even if he and Nygren both missed chances that could have earned them hat-tricks.
Rodgers, who had recently criticised the depth and quality of his squad, likening his situation to being handed a “Honda Civic” and told to drive it like a “Ferrari”, reshuffled his attack by bringing in Arne Engels for his fifth start and deploying Nygren on the right flank.
Celtic carved out numerous openings before the break: Kenny narrowly missed the far post early on, Engels had a header cleared off the line, and Reo Hatate fizzed one just over seconds into the second half.
But once Scales and Nygren found the net from set pieces, the hosts finally clicked into gear.
Kenny continued to press for a third goal but couldn’t convert several late chances, while substitute Michel-Ange Balikwisha curled just wide. Graz threatened briefly, but Celtic’s defence stood strong to secure a much-needed win and perhaps a turning point in their European campaign.
