Celtic are ‘unrecognisable’ as 7 VIP pundits react to Benfica mauling that made them look ‘League One’ level

Celts were thumped 4-1 by Benfica as they fell to a second consecutive defeat in the Europa League

By Anthony Evans · Daily Record

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 7:45 AM

Key Things to Know

Pundits heavily criticized Celtic following a 4-1 Europa League defeat against Benfica in Lisbon.
Celtic conceded three goals in the opening 23 minutes before Camilo Duran scored their lone second-half goal.
Benfica sealed the victory with a late goal from forward Vangelis Pavlidis.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Pundits expressed strong frustration after Celtic suffered a 4-1 Europa League defeat against Benfica in Lisbon. Martin O'Neill's side conceded three first-half goals inside 23 minutes before Camilo Duran scored a consolation header and Vangelis Pavlidis added a fourth for the hosts.

While O'Neill highlighted Celtic's second-half response and insisted the club can still reach the knockout phase, analysts criticized the squad's lack of competitiveness and investment in Europe following consecutive defeats in the competition.

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