Celtic Deliver the European Level Performance that Fans have Craved
Celtic ran out 3-1 winners in a hugely encouraging performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last night.
Christoph Baumgartner opened the scoring for Leipzig but Celtic fought back with two goals from Nicolas Kühn, before Reo Hatate scored the final goal in the second half.
Celtic came charging out with their typical enthusiasm at home, with Maeda and Kyogo driving the high press. The home side were dominant in the early stages with Captain, Callum McGregor, standing out for his link play and coolness under pressure.
Just after the 20th minute, a loose pass from centre back Trusty invited Leipzig into a quick counter, before Openda got a shot off low. Kasper Schmeichel parried it away for a corner.
The resulting set piece was swung in by Kampl who, after a head on, saw his delivery met by Christoph Baumgartner who headed it back across goal and into the net.
Celtic were 1-0 down.
The typical ‘Celtic in Europe’ narrative that shatters the hopes of so many fans could have played out, but it didn’t. There was a collective resistance. A determination from the fans and the players that this early setback would not faze them.
Leipzig began to sweep forward, winning more corners and controlling the ball around the home side’s area. Celtic stuttered in possession, and what was a great passing team 10 minutes beforehand, was now a jolted, nervous set of players, struggling to find their feet in the game.
Reo Hatate lit up the stadium when he touched the ball. He stepped forward and attempted a reversed pass through the Leipzig back line for Kyogo Furuhashi, which was only foiled by a timely interception. This pass was a preview to a masterful performance by the midfielder.
30 minutes in, the ball was played wide to Engels who found Kühn on the right. The German winger cut inside, evading a couple of tackles and scooped a left-footed shot off the far post to equalise for Celtic. A magical, delicate shot that seemed to have no back-lift.
The goal transformed Celtic back into a confident, pressing team. With a minute to go in the half, Celtic won the ball high up on the left. Reo Hatate evaded his opponents with his quick feet then passed it on to Taylor who immediately crossed it low, missing Maeda, but finding Kühn to side foot it home from inside the box.
2-1 Celtic before half time completed a sensational first half comeback for the home side.
Could Celtic hold their nerve and press for the clinching goal in the second half?
Second Half
The opening stages of the second half saw Leipzig continue to look dangerous in the air. They won the majority of headers from corners and Celtic did not seem to have an answer to this threat.
In the 70th minute, Elmas chipped the ball towards Baumgartner in the box who, taking it on his chest, struck a volley low and hard towards the Celtic goal.
Kasper Schmeichel got down early and low to pull off a crucial save for his team and keep Celtic ahead.
Not two minutes later, Celtic were back in possession and worked it wide to Kühn who found Alistair Johnston on an overlapping run.
The Canadian right-back’s cross was hit with venom and although straight at Gulasci, the keeper spilled it to Hatate who knocked it into the roof of the net making it 3-1.
With 20 minutes to go, Celtic were now in complete control and saw out a memorable European night.
The closing stages included some fantastic combination play from Celtic. The team did not stop attacking until the final whistle.
A dominant, European class display from the boys in green and white.
Player of the Match
Unsung Hero
Rodgers on the Match
Position in the Table
Celtic are now 13th in the Champions League Table. Another few wins could see Celtic securing a playoff position or better.
