Europa League: VAR denies Iheanacho 30-year-old Celtic record in loss to Braga

Celtic fell to a 2-0 defeat against Portuguese side SC Braga on the second matchday of the Europa League league phase on Thursday at Celtic Park, Glasgow.

The Bhoys failed to score in a second consecutive home game, having been held to a stalemate by Hibernian last weekend.

Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho completed 90 minutes for the first time in a Celtic shirt, marking his fifth appearance in all competitions for the Scottish champions.

It was a brilliant evening for Braga as not many clubs visit Celtic Park and come away with the spoils, piling the pressure on manager Brendan Rodgers.

The first goal that set Braga on their way was a long-range blaster from the captain Ricardo Horta twenty minutes into the contest.

Iheanacho thought he had equalized five minutes into the second half, but a faint touch off his arm led to the goal being disallowed after a VAR review.

The Super Eagles star capitalized on a loose ball, lifted it over a defender and arrowed a shot into the far corner, but it was ruled out for handball in the buildup. 

Had the goal stood, the former Leicester City star would have become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in both his opening two major European appearances for the club, according to UEFA's official website. 

Gabri Martínez put the game beyond any doubt late on when he saw the ball cannon off him and past goalkeeper 
Kasper Schmeichel.

Iheanacho found the net on the opening matchday of the Europa League against Red Star Belgrade.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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