Celtic starting XI (3-4-3): Schmeichel, Trusty, Scales, Tierney (subbed for Donovan), Yang (subbed for Ralston), McGregor, Engels, Tounekti, Hatate (subbed for Balikwisha), Maeda (subbed for Paulo Bernardo), Nygren (subbed for Iheanacho)

Bench: Sinisalo, Doohan, McCowan, Kenny, Murray

Roma starting XI (3-4-2-1): Svilar, Mancini, Hermoso (subbed for Ziolkowski), N'Dicka, Celik, Pisilli (subbed for Angelino), El Aynaoui, Rensch, Soulè (subbed for Dybala), El Shaarawy (subbed for Pellegrini), Ferguson (subbed for Bailey)

Bench: De Marzi, Gollini, Cristante, Tsimikas, Koné, Wesley, Ghilardi

Goals: Scales 6’ (OG), Ferguson 36’ 45+1’

From the early kick-off whistle, Roma imposed themselves on the game and capitalised on Celtic’s errors to take control before half-time, leaving the home side to rue a night where little went right.

The scoring began inside the opening six minutes. Roma’s pressure from set-pieces paid off when a corner was whipped in from the right and, under no pressure at all, Celtic defender Liam Scales inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.

Roma continued to threaten, and their second goal came in the 36th minute through Evan Ferguson. After a slick Roma move involving Matías Soulé and Mehmet Zeki Çelik down the right, Ferguson slotted home from close range to double the lead and leave the hosts chasing shadows.

The Irish striker wasn’t done there. Just before the break, Ferguson completed his brace in emphatic fashion, rifling a low shot beyond Kasper Schmeichel to make it 3–0 and effectively seal the victory before the interval.

Celtic’s confidence was dealt a further blow when Arne Engels missed a penalty in first-half stoppage time, a chance that might have given the hosts a route back into the game.

Despite changes in the second half and brief signs of response, Celtic were unable to break down a disciplined Roma side that controlled possession and looked comfortable on the ball.

Both sides had a goal disallowed by VAR as Roma’s defence otherwise limited clear chances for the home team.

For Roma, the win delivers a statement performance on the European stage and boosts morale after mixed domestic results, while Celtic—under new management—face questions about their defensive resolve and European prospects.