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Celtic fans rejoice after memorable Champions League night

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Celtic 3 - 1 RB Leipzig Nicolas Kuhn delivered an outstanding performance, inspiring Celtic to come from behind and secure a thrilling third consecutive Champions League home victory at the lively Celtic Park against Germany's RB Leipzig. Author - Sean M > After a dominant six-goal League Cup win over Aberdeen on Saturday and a tough draw away to Atalanta in the previous matchday, expectations were high for this game, despite Leipzig being the top seeds. Celtic very much delivered in what was probably their best performance in a European match for several years.  How the action unfolded - an unbiased reflection of a wonderful night for Celtic fans We burst onto the pitch with real intent, pressing high and applying pressure from the start. In the opening minute, Reo Hatate’s sharp pass to Daizen Maeda set the tone, and Arne Engels' shot—blocked by the Leipzig defence—signalled Celtic’s ambitions. RB Leipzig, struggling to match Celtic’s pace, nearly saw Kuhn break the dea

Scotland: Celtic thrash Aberdeen and reach League Cup Final

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Celtic 6 - 0 Aberdeen Daizen Maeda delivered an outstanding performance at Hampden, scoring a hat-trick as Celtic stormed into the Scottish League Cup final with a commanding 6-0 victory, halting Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin's unbeaten season start in dramatic style. Author - Sean M The match began with pre-kick-off pyrotechnics filling the national stadium with smoke, causing a 13-minute delay. Once the view cleared, Brendan Rodgers' team dazzled with a display of sharp, attacking football. Celtic’s momentum started early when Cameron Carter-Vickers powered in a header from Arne Engels' corner. Just three minutes later, the brilliant Maeda sped past defenders to set up his fellow Japan international Kyogo Furuhashi, who confidently drove in Celtic's second goal. Rodgers' side, still undefeated after 13 domestic games this season, added a third before half-time. Nicolas Kuhn split the defence with a sublime pass, allowing Maeda to net his first goal of the eveni

UCL: Celtic recover from Dortmund thrashing

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Atalanta 0 - 0 Celtic Celtic secured a valuable Champions League point with a resilient defensive performance, holding last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta to a goalless draw in Bergamo. Author - Peter Grainger from GMCR Football This result marked a notable shift in fortunes for Celtic, who had previously lost all seven of their matches in Italy in this competition. Despite facing relentless pressure from the hosts, the Scottish champions stood firm, taking a crucial step towards progressing to the knockout stages. Kasper Schmeichel played a pivotal role with several impressive saves, while Atalanta squandered several clear chances. Celtic’s defensive discipline proved key in denying the Serie A side, who grew increasingly frustrated as the match developed.  After two challenging away fixtures, Celtic now have the advantage of back-to-back home games against RB Leipzig and Club Brugge, with four points already secured.  Celtic’s Champions League campaign has been anything

Scotland: Celtic leave it late to maintain 100% record

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Ross County 1 - 2 Celtic Celtic shook off their midweek Champions League setback to continue their flawless Premiership run, clinching a late victory in Dingwall.  Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn both found the net in the second half, sealing the win for the reigning champions. Brendan Rodgers' team remains unbeaten domestically this season, having won every match so far, as they head into the October international break in top form. A closer look at what happened For the first 70 minutes,  Celtic struggled to make an impact  against a well-organised Ross County. Their defensive solidity, discipline, and ability to take advantage of Celtic's lapses were exemplified by Ronan Hale’s first-half penalty. Michee Efete's cross struck Liam Scales' arm, and after a brief check on the monitor, referee Kevin Clancy awarded the penalty. Hale's initial shot was weak and comfortably saved by Kasper Schmeichel, but the goalkeeper was judged to have moved too early. Given a

Scotland: No let-up from Celtic in Perth

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St Johnstone 0 - 6 Celtic  Celtic surged to the top of the Scottish Premiership after a resounding 6-0 victory against St Johnstone.  The defending champions initially believed they had scored early on through Daizen Maeda, but VAR disallowed the goal due to a foul in the build-up. A closer look at what happened in Perth Kyogo Furuhashi eventually put the visitors in front with a typical run and finish and Paulo Bernardo completed an excellent move with a fine finish. Kyogo then headed a third in first-half added time and Callum McGregor, Maeda and substitute Adam Idah added more goals in the second period. Brendan Rodgers' side lead Aberdeen on goal difference at the top of the table while Saints are a point above second bottom. Celtic looking unstoppable in Scotland. Positive signs for their Champions League campaign? Celtic made several changes once again in their 5-2 Scottish League Cup victory over Falkirk last week, and it was a similar story in Perth, with the injured Ca

UCL: A great European night for Celtic

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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. 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 exqui

Scotland: Celtic keep up perfect start

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Celtic 2 - 0 Hearts Celtic maintained their perfect start to the season as both sides faced contrasting outcomes with VAR for the champions and Hearts. Early in the match, the visitors were initially awarded a penalty in the first half after Lawrence Shankland's header struck Liam Scales' arm. However, the decision was overturned after a VAR review. In the second half, a cross from Nicolas Kuhn made contact with James Penrice's hand, leading to another VAR review. This time, the result was a penalty, and record signing Arne Engels scored his first goal for Celtic from the spot. To seal the victory, Luke McCowan also scored his first goal for Celtic with a late strike.  What about Hearts? Hearts find themselves one point behind at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership. This was an improved performance from the visitors, but the match ultimately ended in a seventh straight defeat in all competitions. Referee Colin Steven had been quick to point to the spot after the Sca

Scotland: Celtic ease to win in Glasgow Derby

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Celtic 3 - 0 Rangers Celtic continued their recent dominance in the Glasgow derby with a straightforward win over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. Arriving as strong favourites on their home turf, the champions weathered an early burst of energy from Rangers before reasserting their familiar control. Daizen Maeda calmly finished from close range after a cross from Alistair Johnston, with Rangers caught off guard from a simple throw-in. Earlier, Kyogo had a goal disallowed for offside against Nicolas Kuhn. Still, the Japanese striker soon added to his impressive derby tally with a precise strike from the edge of the box. Rangers were fortunate not to be further behind by half-time and came out with more intensity in the second half. However, Cyriel Dessers squandered a key chance, firing tamely at Kasper Schmeichel when a sharper finish could have reignited the game. The second half was more subdued, with chances for both sides. Kyogo surprisingly hit the side-netting after bein

Scotland, Celtic and Rangers prepare for Glasgow Derby with comfortable victories

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St Mirren 0 - 3 Celtic Celtic secured a convincing 3-0 victory over St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, maintaining their perfect start to the season with three wins from three games.  The champions were in control from the outset, with Callum McGregor scoring within the first three minutes. Reo Hatate added a second goal before halftime, and Alistair Johnston completed the scoring in the second half, following a strong performance from Nicolas Kuhn. Despite the ongoing transfer saga involving Matt O'Riley, who is close to joining Brighton, Celtic's midfield performed exceptionally well. Paulo Bernardo stepped in for O'Riley, but it was the established players, McGregor and Hatate, who led the charge. Hatate was particularly impressive, creating five chances and showcasing his ability to fill the void left by O'Riley. St Mirren struggled to break through Celtic's relentless pressing and managed only one shot in the first half. Although they showed some impr

Scotland: Celtic cruise to a win at Easter Road

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Hibernian 0 - 2 Celtic A brilliant goal from Callum McGregor helped Celtic secure a comfortable Scottish Premiership victory over Hibernian at Easter Road. Nicolas Kuhn opened the scoring within three minutes, capitalising on a mistake by Hibs’ goalkeeper Josef Bursik, who failed to deal with Kyogo's initial shot. McGregor, who had announced his retirement from international football earlier in the week, then doubled Celtic's lead with a stunning left-footed strike from 25 yards, capping off an excellent first-half performance. Brendan Rodgers’ side could have added more goals if not for the woodwork, but they will be satisfied with taking three points from a ground where they have struggled at times under Rodgers' management. More Celtic news can be found by clicking here Sunshine on Leith: The place for more Hibs news and stories The home side were booed off at half-time, having failed to register a single shot, although they improved somewhat in the second half. Stri

Scotland: Celtic start title defence in style

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Celtic 4 - 0 Kilmarnock Celtic kicked off their Premiership title defence with a comfortable 4-0 victory at home against Kilmarnock. Reo Hatate opened the scoring after 17 minutes, coolly finishing from the edge of the box. Celtic doubled their advantage five minutes before half-time when Liam Scales headed a Matt O’Riley corner into the far post. Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn made it three on the hour mark with a deflected strike that looped over Kilmarnock’s goalkeeper, Robby McCrorie. Anthony Ralston sealed the win in stoppage time, netting his first goal for Celtic since 2021. Click here for more Celtic news and stories A closer look at the match Before the match, they were greeted to an impressive fan display when they took to the Parkhead turf. This created an amazing atmosphere and the Celtic players responded.  Reo Hatate put the champions ahead in the 17th minute, firing into the bottom corner from just inside the box. Earlier, Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi was denied by a brillia

Pre Season: Celtic thrash Chelsea

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Chelsea 1 - 4 Celtic The second match of Chelsea's USA Tour saw them face a Celtic team playing their fifth game of pre-season and entered the contest on the back of beating Premier League champions Manchester City in their last match. Chelsea created several chances in both halves but goals from Matt O'Reily, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma and Mikey Johnston helped Brendan Rodgers' side to victory, with Christopher Nkunku adding a late consolation from the penalty spot. How did the teams line up? There were two alterations to Maresca's starting line-up for Chelsea. Wesley Fofana made his first start in more than a year in place of Tosin Adarabioyo and Mykhailo Mudryk replaced academy graduate Tyrique George. The Hoops went into this game at Notre Dame’s iconic stadium in South Bend, Indiana full of confidence. In this match, their 4-3-3 formation featured several players that won them the double last season. Kyogo Furuhashi, Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda all start

Pre Season: Celtic edge out City

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Celtic 4 - 3 Manchester City Manchester City's pre-season tour of the United States began with a 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. The match was billed as the 'battle of the champions'. Despite the empty seats at the stadium, there was still a fantastic atmosphere.  Two first half goals from Nicolas Kuhn and a smart Kyogo Furuhashi finish meant City went in behind at the break despite Oscar Bobb also finding the net. The blues fought back in the second half. An almost defiant display, spearheaded by the irrepressible Bobb, brought City level with Maximo Perrone and Erling Haaland both on target. The Scottish champions eventuallày took the lead again through substitute Luis Palma Celtic impressed at times but fans are still concerned about the club's like of signings in the transfer window. Transfer News: Celtic sign Kasper Schmeichel (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) More Celtic news and stories Premier League: Summer 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.b

Transfer News: Celtic sign Kasper Schmeichel

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The Scottish champions have replaced former keeper Joe Hart Celtic have signed Denmark captain Kasper Schmeichel on a one-year deal after the goalkeeper led his country to the last 16 at Euro 24. Schmeichel, 37, was a free agent after leaving the Belgian club Anderlecht at the end of last season and replaces former Manchester City club-mate Joe Hart, who has now retired. International goalkeeper, an English Premier league winner. We've seen this movie before. Welcome to the finest team in Scotland Kasper Schmeichel. 🍀 pic.twitter.com/QSpjihOfhT — Boyle (@Boyle_67) July 18, 2024 The Dane has earned 105 international caps and will join his new teammates in the United States, where the Scottish champions are on tour. Schmeichel is best known for his 11-year stint with Leicester City, during which the club won an improbable Premier League crown in 2016. He would later work with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers at King Power Stadium, where the pair claimed the 2021 FA Cup and subs

Scotland: Celtic win the double

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 Celtic 1 - 0 Rangers Celtic won the double and Rangers ended the season with nohing. Adam Idah emerged as  Celtic's  last-minute hero  under the bright Hampden sun. 🏆⬆️ Relive all the action as Adam Idah's late winner sparked incredible scenes in the @CelticFC end, with the Hoops lifting the @scottishgas Men's Scottish Cup at Hampden Park. This is your Story of the Final. #ScottishCup pic.twitter.com/JV0jpjtaFX — Scottish Gas Scottish Cup (@ScottishCup) May 27, 2024 With the Scottish  Cup's  fate hanging in the balance and the game deadlocked at 0-0, extra-time seemed inevitable. However, Paulo Bernardo, a substitute for Reo Hatate, took control.  As the  Rangers  defence hesitated, Bernardo unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that baffled goalkeeper Jack Butland with its swerving path. Seizing the opportunity, Republic of Ireland forward Adam Idah sprinted at full speed to reach the deflected ball before Butland could recover. The Norwich City loanee was firs

Scotland: Champions Celtic win on final day

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 Celtic 3-2 St Mirren The last game of the season at Celtic Park ended with three points for the champions. Matt O'Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma all for the hosts. Mark O'Hara had put St Mirren ahead twice as they threatened to try and spoil the party.  Towards the end of the match, Celtic keeper Joe Hart was substituted and the Celtic goalkeeper looked emotional as he made his way from the field in what is believed to be his final league appearance as a professional footballer. During the trophy celebrations, Hart addressed the supporters. He said: "You guys are absolutely phenomenal. You've made me feel so special. Thank you so much for having me." Celtic make changes, but players impress in an entertaining match. Rodgers made six changes to his starting line-up, and  it's  unlikely that next  Saturday's  Scottish Cup final team against Rangers will look the same. The manager has  mostly depended  on predecessor Ange  Postecoglou's  squad

Scotland: Celtic champions again

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Kilmarnock 0 - 5 Celtic  Celtic thrashed Kilmarnock to secure the Premiership title for a third successive season. This video from Footy Adventures sums up the night had by most Celtic fans across Scotland and beyond. Adam Idah opened the scoring early on; additional goals from James Forrest and Daizen Maeda along with a Matt O'Riley double wrapped up the win. This is Brendan Rodgers' third title as Hoops boss and first returning to the club. The boys in Green will lift the Premiership trophy after their final game of the Premiership season against St Mirren on Saturday, while Kilmarnock will end the season in fourth with European football secured. Rodgers side comfortably avoid last day drama There will be no helicopter, no dramatic and grand finale. Celtic have been in some titanic last day title battles with their Glasgow and have avoided another in 2024. Instead was the familiar sight of Brendan Rodgers with arms aloft, hands waving, face smiling. Another title. Champio

Scotland: Celtic almost clinch another title

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 Celtic 2 - 1 Rangers Celtic practically secured their third consecutive Scottish Premiership title with a win against a 10-player Rangers team in an intense Glasgow Derby. In a match pulsating with energy, Brendan Rodgers' side , sitting three points ahead with just three games to go, knew that securing a victory would almost clinch glory.  Right from the start, the Hoops asserted their dominance over their Glasgow rivals. It was Matt O'Riley who finally broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, capitalising on numerous earlier opportunities. Immediately after the break, John Lundstram inadvertently turned the ball into his own net and was subsequently shown a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving Rangers depleted.  Just before that, Cyriel Dessers managed to pull one back for the visitors. Game on? Celtic earned a penalty when Mohamed Diomande fouled Alistair Johnston in the box. O'Riley stepped up, but his effort was saved by Jack Butland. Although Rodgers' te

Scotland: Celtic ease to win against Hearts

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 Celtic 3 - 0 Hearts Celtic moved a little bit closer to the title after easing past Hearts in Glasgow.  They face Rangers next weekend in a match that could decide the title. If Celtic avoid defeat, they will almost certainly end up as champions.  Kyogo Furuhashi scored the opening goal for Celtic in a fast-paced match at Celtic Park. He nodded the ball in from a cross by his fellow countryman Reo Hatate.  The Hearts team responded quickly, but Celtic extended their lead when Matt O'Riley's impressive long-range pass found Kyogo, who scored with a first-time shot and got his second of the match.  Kyogo then  had chances to score more goals in the first half, but Zander Clark, the Hearts goalkeeper, made some excellent saves. He also made a fantastic double save in the second half to deny Hatate and O'Riley. Celtic were awarded a late penalty after an on-field review showed that Lawrence Shankland had handled the ball in the box. O'Riley stepped up to take the penal

Scotland: Celtic remain in charge of title race

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Dundee 1 - 2 Celtic A double from James Forrest helped Celtic beat Dundee and maintained their three-point Scottish Premiership lead. A screen grab from a Twitter video showing Celtic players celebrating. Forrest marked his return to the Celtic starting line-up with a stunning first-half volley from the edge of the box and low drive midway through the second period. Dundee got back into the game after Adam Idah deflected an Antonio Portales shot past Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. Despite some late pressure, they were unable to deny the visitors victory. Despite another win for Rangers, the title is still Celtic's to lose with four rounds of fixtures to play and the Old Firm still to meet.  Dundee remain two points behind fifth-placed St Mirren and remain in contention for a Europa Conference qualifying place. Should they achieve that, it would surely be the best season in their recent history.  You can find out what the Celtic manager thought by watching the video below. The int