Kelechi Iheanacho became the center of the core of a very controversial handball decision as the Portuguese side claimed a two-nil triumph over the Scottish giants. The African forward appeared to have leveled the match in the 51st minute, only for the goal to be disallowed by game referees.
Effort Canceled During Handball Dispute
Iheanacho had capitalized on a misplaced pass from a dead ball to challenge a clearance from former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke before placing the ball home. TV footage clearly showed the ball striking the attacker's head, with no apparent indication of arm involvement. Regardless of this, the VAR confirmed the initial ruling after an prolonged check.
Match referee Tobias Stieler gave the original decision, with video referee Christian Dingert upholding the controversial call.
Celtic's Disappointing Night
During a end-to-end second half, Celtic pushed for an leveler, with attempts from Kieran Tierney and Sebastian Tounekti being saved by fine saves. The home side eventually concluded with just one point earned from their first two fixtures after Gabri Martínez scored from nearby with five minutes to go.
- Shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel endured a difficult evening, losing the ball several times.
- Ricardo Horta's distance strike in the twentieth minute dipped surprisingly, beating Schmeichel unaware.
- Players Liam Scales and Kieran Tierney executed important blocks to hold Braga at bay.
Dramatic Spot-kick Series in French side vs Roma Match
In a different Europa League encounter, Lille earned a one-nil win over the Italian side thanks to a early strike from Hákon Arnar Haraldsson. The visitors seized an early blunder to take the upper hand after just 6 minutes.
The fixture reached a dramatic ending when Roma were given a late penalty after a hand contact by Aïssa Mandi. Unbelievably, Lille goalkeeper Berke Özer denied three consecutive penalty efforts in the closing minutes.
- Artem Dovbyk's original penalty was blocked, but the official demanded a second attempt due to the goalkeeper moving forward.
- Dovbyk's follow-up attempt was once more denied by Özer, who once again moved early.
- A final penalty was attempted by Matías Soulé, but Özer made another excellent stop to confirm the victory.
Controversial rulings and intense spot-kick denials shaped an memorable matchday in the Europa League.
