UCL: A great European night for Celtic

-

Celtic 5 - 1 Slovan Bratislava

Celtic delivered a commanding performance at a lively Celtic Park to secure their first-ever opening Champions League victory in emphatic fashion, overpowering Slovan Bratislava.

In a rare instance where they started as favourites in Europe's top competition, Brendan Rodgers' team produced an energetic and composed display.

UCL: A great European night for Celtic - 1

Liam Scales sent the home crowd into raptures in the 17th minute, heading in Arne Engels' corner. Despite creating several chances before half-time, the Scottish champions couldn’t extend their lead.

Kyogo Furuhashi eased any nerves just two minutes into the second half, steering Nicolas Kuhn’s powerful cross into the net, putting fears of missed opportunities to rest.

Visit this page for more Celtic news and stories

Celtic continued to create chances, and after Alistair Johnston was fouled by Danylo Ihnatenko, the impressive Engels calmly slotted home from the penalty spot for a third.

Although Kevin Wimmer's exquisite outside-of-the-foot finish briefly dampened the celebratory mood as Slovan responded, Celtic quickly regained control. Reo Hatate set up Daizen Maeda to restore the three-goal lead, before James Forrest found fellow substitute Adam Idah, who capped off a morale-boosting and much-needed Champions League win.

Another amazing European night at Paradise

Check out this picture from GMCR Football.

Celtic v Slovan

Celtic players shine but bigger tests will come

Celtic’s record signing, Engels, played a pivotal role, driving the team forward with purposeful and fast-paced passing, while relentlessly pressing their opponents whenever possession was lost.

Engels, along with Kyogo and Maeda, could easily have bagged hat-tricks, given Celtic’s dominance. They constantly carved through Bratislava’s fragile defence with slick play through the midfield and down the flanks.

With upcoming away fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta, as well as a home clash with RB Leipzig, the challenges ahead are set to become even tougher.

Watch the highlights in the video below

The footage is from the Celtic YouTube account. What did you think of their performance.

Click for some of the latest Champions League news and stories from across Europe.

Location: Glasgow, UK

Popular posts from this blog

Transfer News: Deadline Day Developments August 2024

-
Image
This is the place for some of the biggest announcements from the August 2024 Transfer Deadline Day Raheem Sterling - Chelsea to Arsenal on loan Raheem Sterling finalised a last-minute transfer deadline move to Premier League rivals Arsenal. The 29-year-old has agreed to a season-long loan with Mikel Arteta's team.  This decision came after the England international was told that he was not part of new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's plans. Jadon Sancho - Manchester United to Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy Raheem Sterling in @Arsenal red 📸🔴 pic.twitter.com/GL7kbReq7K — Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2024 Chelsea has secured a loan deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho until the end of the season.  The agreement includes an obligation for Chelsea to permanently sign the 24-year-old England international for a fee ranging between £20-25m next summer. Sancho playing for Mancheter United. Photo credit  Thể Thao 11M | Flickr Eddie Nketiah - Ar
Read more

Premier League: United back to winning ways

-
Image
Southampton 0 - 3 Manchester United Matthijs de Ligt netted his first goal for Manchester United, helping Erik ten Hag's team secure a crucial Premier League victory over Southampton. The Red Devils had entered the international break on a low note, following a heavy defeat to Liverpool, and were in dire need of a strong response upon their return. After a shaky start, United found their rhythm, with Andre Onana’s penalty save from Cameron Archer proving a key moment. Shortly afterwards, they seized the advantage. Summer signing De Ligt broke the deadlock , expertly heading into the bottom corner from a brilliant cross delivered by Bruno Fernandes. Just six minutes later, United doubled their advantage when Marcus Rashford scored his first goal of the season, threading a low shot through a crowded box to find the net—his first since March. The quickfire double appeared to take the wind out of Southampton's sails, allowing United to control the second half with relative eas
Read more

Premier League: North London is red

-
Image
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Arsenal Gabriel was Arsenal's North London derby day hero as he headed home the only goal to secure a third-straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brazilian defender towered over the Spurs defence on 64 minutes to divert home a Bukayo Saka corner and settle a game of few chances. You'd have to say that Arsenal enjoyed the better of throughout the contest and ultimately deserved their hard-fought victory. The result ensured that Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League this campaign, but more importantly for all Gooners, saw them claim a hat-trick of wins at the home of their neighbours for the first time since 1988 as their fantastic away record in 2024 continues. A closer look at what happened Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, shone in the early moments, making crucial saves to deny Dejan Kulusevski and keeping Spurs at bay. At the other end, Guglielmo Vicario was equally impressive, pulling off a fine stop to keep out a Kai
Read more