Who will win Celtic vs Ferencvaros? Our writers make their predictions for Europa League showdown

19:00, 16 Sep 2026Updated 16:03, 17 Sep 2026

Celtic v Ferencvaros - Europa League preview

It's not the European dream that Celtic fans had hope for - but the Europa League could give the Hoops a chance for a deep run in Europe.

The disappointment of the Champions League exit and the humbling collapse in Linz at the hands of LASK will live long in the memory of fans.

However, Celtic's players can begin to ease the pain of the Parkhead punters with an impressive league phase campaign in Europe's second-tier competition - starting with a win over Ferencvaros on home turf.

Martin O'Neill steered the Scottish champions to the knockout rounds last term, but having guided Celtic to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final the Irishman will hope for another famous run when the Hungarian side rock up in Glasgow's east end.

And he will know that a confidence-boosting performance could be key ahead of facing Rangers this weekend - just days after a lacklustre Premier Sports Cup defeat to their rivals.

But how does Record Sport think the game will go? Here are the predictions from the top team.

Celtic will have to respond to Sunday’s sore one and should go out on the front foot. It will be another test as Ferencvaros will have seen how vulnerable the Hoops can be on the counter but Martin O’Neill’s side should have enough to get off to a winning start.

It’s no surprise that when Celtic come up against competent opposition, they leak goals for fun. The gap between the defence and midfield has been brutally exposed by LASK and Rangers and Ferencvaros could be next to take advantage. The Hungarians have an impressive Euro record in recent years and will fancy their chances of at least a point in Glasgow.

Celtic need to bounce back with a performance after Sunday’s shocker at Ibrox and can damage the Hungarians with their attacking players, yet they also have a defence which continues to offer up chances and it may also be exploited in a high-scoring game.

The mood music heading into a night under the lights appears ominous. Martin O’Neill admits the league comes first but Celtic can’t afford to be off it against a Ferencvaros side that has made strides on the continent. Expect goals at both ends.

It’s hard to call what this flaky Celtic side are going to serve up next. Especially when Ferencvaros seem every bit as unpredictable. But the Hungarians’ 5-0 aggregate beating of Trabzonspor in qualifying should serve as a warning. Celtic need a result. It might not be convincing but they should have enough to get one.

Celtic will be fragile after their Old Firm mauling at Ibrox and they won’t get it easy against the free-scoring Hungarians. Ferencvaros have scored an incredible 18 goals in their last five games before visiting Parkhead.

They also beat the Turkish outfit Trabzonspor 5-0 over two legs in the Europa League qualifiers. So they’ll fancy their chances in Glasgow and will try to exploit Celtic’s defensive vulnerability. If Martin O’Neill’s men don’t get off to a good start, it could be a difficult night for the Hoops.

The Hungarians are scoring freely right now having rattled in 18 goals in their last five games. One of those was a 7-0 Cup rout against lower-league opposition right enough but still, they’re not conceding either, with just four goals shipped in their last 10 fixtures. However, I expect Celtic to come out fired up after their Old Firm capitulation, determined to put on a show. But the frailties in the Parkhead back line mean it could be an entertaining evening at both ends of the pitch.

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