CELTIC will face old foes Benfica and Ferencvaros in the Europa League after the draw in Monaco this afternoon.
The Hoops played the Portuguese giants on their way to the European Cup Final in Italy in 1970.
Jock Stein’s men won 3-0 at Parkhead and lost by the same scoreline in Lisbon. After extra-time, it went to a dramatic toss of the coin and Billy McNeill called correctly.
Unfortunately, Celtic lost to Feyenoord 2-1 in a disappointing grand finale.
The Hungarians of Ferencvaros, who had Robbie Keane as manager until he quit this summer, last met the Hoops in European competition in 2021/22 when Ange Postecoglou’s side won 2-0 at home and 3-2 in Budapest.
Celtic will kick off with a match against Marseille in Glasgow before travelling to the Portuguese capital. Then they have a home match against Ferencvaros before a trip to Belgium to face Union SG and they then welcome Celta Vigo to Parkhead.
They go to Cyprus to take on Neil Lennon’s former club Omonia and next up in Glasgow are Turkish outfit Besiktas.
The league phase will be completed with a second trip to Portugal to take on Torreense, who are making their debut in European competition.
Fixture dates and details are scheduled to be announced by UEFA on Sunday.
EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW
CELTIC v Marseille (H)
Benfica v CELTIC (A)
CELTIC v Ferencvaros (H)
Union SG v CELTIC (A)
CELTIC v Celta Vigo (H)
Omonia v CELTIC (A)
CELTIC v Besiktas (H)
Torreense v CELTIC (A)
LEAGUE PHASE DATES
Matchday 1: September 16/17 2026
Matchday 2: October 15
Matchday 3: October 22
Matchday 4: November 5
Matchday 5: November 26
Matchday 6: December 10
Matchday 7: January 21 2027
Matchday 8: January 28
KNOCK-OUT PHASE DATES
Play-offs: February 18 and 25
Round of 16: March 11 and 18
Quarter-finals: April 8 and 15
Semi-finals: April 29 and May 6
Final (Frankfurt): May 26
WANT TO KNOW A SECRET? Celtic Confidential is the stunning book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Who was the tycoon who would have ruined Celtic? What really happened the night Kenny Dalglish quit the club? The real story behind Mo Johnston’s sensational move to Ibrox. All is revealed in Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book which is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Enjoy the revelations!
