Celtic’s European route brings early tests for new Egyptian winger Haytham Hassan

Celtic will meet Marseille, Benfica and Celta Vigo in the Europa League league phase, with new signing Haytham Hassan set for his first experience of European football with the Scottish club.

The draw, held by UEFA on Friday, also handed Celtic matches against Ferencvarosi, Union Saint-Gilloise, Omonia, Besiktas and Torreense.

It means Celtic face eight opponents from a range of footballing backgrounds, including established European names and clubs hoping to make an impact on the continental stage.

Marseille, Benfica and Besiktas bring considerable experience of major European competition, while the fixtures against Ferencvarosi, Union Saint-Gilloise, Omonia, Celta Vigo and Torreense will provide different challenges for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

The draw came after a dramatic night featuring the Champions League draw, with UEFA returning on Friday to finalise the league-phase schedule for this season’s Europa League.

Celtic’s route underlines the increasingly demanding nature of the competition, with heavyweight clubs facing one another early in the campaign rather than waiting for the knockout rounds.

For Hassan, the draw provides a significant first test after his move to Celtic during the current summer transfer window. The young Egyptian is preparing to begin his continental career in the colours of the Scottish champions and will hope to play a role in a campaign that could extend into the knockout stages.

The 21-year-old’s arrival has added an Egyptian presence to Celtic’s European campaign, and attention will now turn to how he adapts to the pace and demands of matches against opponents from across the continent.

Celtic must negotiate a schedule that combines the history and experience of Marseille, Benfica and Besiktas with the ambition of clubs seeking to upset more established sides. Their progress will depend on securing enough positive results from the eight fixtures to earn a place in the knockout phase.

The club confirmed the outcome of the draw in a post on social media, writing:

“ The draw is complete – here are our Europa League opponents ”

The announcement was accompanied by the hashtags #UEL and #CelticFC.

UEFA’s decision to use a league-phase format means Celtic will face eight different teams rather than meeting the same opponent home and away in a traditional group. The variety of the draw has created a demanding programme for Hassan and his team-mates, with each fixture offering a different tactical and atmospheric test.

Marseille and Benfica are among the most prominent names on the list, while Celta Vigo add further strength from Spain. Besiktas represent another major European challenge, ensuring Celtic’s campaign will feature several high-profile encounters from the opening stages.

The remaining fixtures give Celtic opportunities to compete against teams with contrasting styles and levels of European experience. Together, the matches will test the squad’s depth and consistency as the club attempts to secure progression.

Fans can discuss the draw and related news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.