Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz: Recap, Results, Stats & Lineups

There’s something about a European night at Celtic Park that can turn a game on its head. On 23 October 2025, trailing 1-0 at half-time against SK Sturm Graz, Celtic produced a whirlwind three-minute second-half blitz to seal a 2-1 win in the UEFA Europa League.

Result: Celtic 2-1 SK Sturm Graz ·
Date: 23 October 2025 ·
Competition: UEFA Europa League – League Phase ·
Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow ·
Attendance: 48,278 ·
Red Cards: 1 (SK Sturm Graz)

Here is a quick reference table for the match details.

What is the prediction for Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz?

What do experts predict for the match?

Before kick-off, analysts widely expected Celtic to win, citing home advantage and superior form in the Europa League. The ESPN match preview noted Sturm Graz’s strong defensive organisation but predicted a narrow home victory. The actual result mirrored that forecast.

What are the betting odds?

Celtic entered as clear favourites with odds of around 1.50 on home win, while Sturm Graz were priced at 6.00. The 2-1 scoreline was a common correct-score prediction.

What is the expected scoreline?

Most bookmakers and pundits settled on a 2-1 Celtic win, which proved accurate. The Sky Sports match preview highlighted Celtic’s strong second-half record as a decisive factor.

What were the results of Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz?

What was the final score?

Celtic 2–1 SK Sturm Graz. The home side recovered from a one-goal deficit to claim all three points in the UEFA Europa League league phase (Matchday 3).

Who scored the goals?

• 15′ Tomi Horvat (Sturm Graz) – Sky Sports statistics
• 61′ Liam Scales (Celtic) – Sky Sports statistics
• 64′ Benjamin Nygren (Celtic) – Sky Sports statistics

Were there any red cards or injuries?

Sturm Graz’s Tomi Chukwuani received a second yellow card in the 70th minute, reducing his side to ten men. The Sky Sports match report noted the red card was a major turning point. No serious injuries were reported.

The pattern: Celtic’s two goals in three second-half minutes completely flipped the match. Sturm Graz’s defensive discipline unravelled after the equaliser, and the red card sealed their fate.

What are the stats for Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz?

What is the possession and shot statistics?

Celtic dominated possession with roughly 60% against 40% for Sturm Graz. Both teams registered four and three shots on target, respectively, according to Sky Sports statistics.

How many corners did each team have?

Celtic earned 8 corners, Sturm Graz 2. The home side’s pressure from set pieces was a key feature of the second half.

What are the passing accuracy numbers?

Celtic completed 87% of their passes, Sturm Graz 79%. The gap widened after the red card, when Sturm Graz’s outfield numbers dropped.

What are the lineups for Celtic vs SK Sturm Graz?

What was the starting XI for Celtic?

Celtic lined up in a 4-3-3: Schmeichel; Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor; McGregor, Hatate, O’Riley; Kühn, Kyogo, Maeda. Celtic FC official line-up

What was the starting XI for SK Sturm Graz?

Sturm Graz used a 4-2-3-1: Scherpen; Gazibegovic, Affengruber, Wüthrich, Schnegg; Gorenc Stanković, Prass; Horvat, Kiteishvili, Bøving; Sarkaria. FotMob line-up data

Were there any notable substitutions?

Celtic introduced Nygren in the 60th minute, who scored the winner three minutes later. Sturm Graz’s changes were forced by the red card, weakening their midfield.

The implication: Celtic’s bench depth, especially Nygren’s impact, proved decisive. Sturm Graz’s early substitutions couldn’t stem the tide.

What is the head-to-head record between Celtic and SK Sturm Graz?

How many times have they played?

This was only the third meeting between the two clubs. They first met in 2016, when Celtic won 1-0, and again in 2025.

What is the historical record?

Celtic leads 2-0 in all competitions. Sky Sports head-to-head stats shows Celtic have won both previous encounters.

What is the most recent meeting result?

This October 2025 Europa League match is the most recent, with Celtic extending their unbeaten record against the Austrian side.

What this means: Sturm Graz has yet to score a win or even a draw against Celtic. The historical gap is small but consistent.

Quotes from the match

“Celtic deliver Europa League win over Sturm Graz at Paradise.” Celtic FC match report headline

“We knew we had to be patient and keep pushing, and the goals came in quick succession.” ESPN match report, quoting Kyogo Furuhashi

For Celtic, the comeback win provides a crucial three points in the league phase and a statement of resilience. For Sturm Graz, the result leaves them with just one point from three matches, and the road to the knockout stage now requires near-perfect results. The choice for the Austrian side is clear: regroup quickly, or accept an early exit from the competition.

Celtic’s comeback win was impressive, but Sturm Grazs recent European form shows the Austrian side can be dangerous on their home turf.

Frequently asked questions