UEFA decision hands Celtic major boost vs Real Betis

The game between Celtic and Real Betis could end up having major implications on their Europa League group. The first game in Seville was a thriller, with Ange Postecoglou’s side narrowly losing out 4-3. This time around though, the game will be at Parkhead and it could turn out to be a very different story. Of course, there is some time to go before the game, and it will be played in December.

A lot of different things can happen before that. The fifth matchday of the Europa League group stage will be particularly interesting as Celtic face Bayer Leverkusen away in Germany, while Real Betis will take on Ferencvaros.

If Celtic lose and Real Betis win, then it will become impossible for Postecoglou’s side to finish in the top two of the group. That is for later though. For now, the Hoops have been handed a major boost when it comes to their next game with the Spanish side.

As reported by AS, UEFA have announced a three-match ban for Nabil Fekir, who was sent off against Bayer Leverkusen. That means that the Real Betis star will miss the game against Celtic.

Real Betis’ Fekir is set to miss the game against Celtic

Considering how the first game between the two sides went and how very little was between them, this could turn out to be a massive boost for Celtic when they meet again in the Europa League in December.

Of course, a lot could end up depending on that game, although it remains to be seen what happens in the two games on matchday five and what impact they end up having on the group.

One thing that is for sure though is that Celtic will play European football this season beyond the group stage, whether it is in the Europa League or in the Europa Conference League.