Celtic fans breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday night after booking their Europa League play-off spot.
The Hoops, who were securing their passage into the Champions League play-off stages last season, finished on 11 points and ended the league phase by beating Utrecht 4-2.
On Celtic’s Europa League journey, they have come across some familiar faces and past players who have donned the famous green and white colours.
One of them is former Celtic centre-back Gustaf Lagerbielke, now playing for Braga, and thriving in the colours of the Portuguese side.
- READ MORE: TalkingPoints Daily roundup: Celtic’s Europa League opponents, man of the match and trophy debate
Celtic fans would you rather: Win the Europa League but miss out on the league title?
Or… get knocked out of the Europa League and win the title?
Gustaf Lagerbielke and Braga secure Europa League top eight spot
It seems a lifetime ago now, because Brendan Rodgers was in charge, but Braga beat Celtic 2-0 in October at Parkhead, and Lagerbielke started at the heart of defence.
The 25-year-old, who left the champions of Scotland on a permanent deal in the summer, started at the heart of defence and helped his team keep a clean sheet.
Braga have since managed to maintain that form, beating the likes of Feyenoord, Nottingham Forest and Nice on their way to a top-eight finish.
Celtic fans, your one-word reaction to the Europa League draw…
Was that the tie you wanted? Let us know
Lagerbielke’s Europa League campaign in numbers
It’s ironic because Lagerbielke was part of the Celtic side that beat Rangers at Ibrox when Rodgers returned for his second spell.
But the Swedish defender clearly wasn’t fancied in Glasgow, couldn’t get going, and only managed ten appearances for the club.
He may have flopped at Celtic, but he is going great guns in Portugal.
- Lagerbielke’s Europa League games: 8
- Starts: 7
- Clean sheets: 6
- Goals conceded: 5
- WhoScored rating: 7.01
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
