Celtic commenced their Champions League journey with a flourish, overpowering Slovan Bratislava 5-1 for their first opening match victory.
Brendan Rodgers waste no time downplaying their favorites’ label against the debutants, yet Celtic asserted their dominance right from the start, with Liam Scales heading in the first goal and igniting a roar from the Celtic Park crowd.
Just after halftime, Kyogo Furuhashi expanded the lead, followed by Arne Engels converting a penalty, making him the first player for the Hoops to score on his Champions League debut since Henrik Larsson in 2001.
Though Kevin Wimmer netted a consolation goal for the Slovak team, Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah added to Celtic’s tally, ensuring their largest Champions League win to date.
Rodgers and his squad will look to carry this momentum and self-assurance into their upcoming clash against Borussia Dortmund in Germany next month.
Classy Celtic cruise to victory
On paper, this was Celtic’s prime opportunity to secure three points, facing a team that was making its debut at this level, and they showcased their skill with five different goal scorers in front of a packed stadium.
Maeda could have easily given Celtic an early lead before Scales scored. The winger missed a chance within four minutes after being set up by Alistair Johnston during a swift break against Slovan’s high press. He later directed a header straight at the goalkeeper from six yards out following a short corner.
The opening goal resulted from yet another corner, with Engels delivering a well-placed inswinger that Scales connected with perfectly at the
near post. Goalkeeper Dominik Takac could only deflect the ball into the net.
Rodgers’ team almost increased their advantage just a minute later when Nicolas Kuhn brilliantly assisted Furuhashi, but Takac managed to make the save.
The opportunities continued to pile up. Engels had a powerful effort parried away, Kuhn mishit a shot from 10 yards, and Furuhashi sent a shot over the bar after Reo Hatate presented him with a perfect chance.
Arne Engels scored on his Champions League debut for Celtic
Nevertheless, Celtic could have found themselves level at half-time if Vladimir Weiss had not hesitated after being played inside Alistair Johnston. The former Rangers winger, who had been booked earlier for taking out Engels, delayed his shot, resulting in it getting blocked.
Celtic’s last two Champions League campaigns were marred by missed opportunities, particularly when they were dominating, and they emerged for the second half seemingly resolved to prevent a similar outcome.
In just two minutes, Kuhn elegantly maneuvered to the byline and delivered the ball across the goal for Furuhashi to convert easily.
Engels extended the lead to three in the 56th minute after Johnston was brought down by a reckless challenge from Danylo Ihnatenko.
<img class="sdc-article-image__item" loading="lazy
Kevin Wimmer pulled a goal back for Slovan Bratislava
Both players who scored in the second half also compelled saves from the goalkeeper as Celtic dominated the match, with their supporters enjoying the performance.
However, a miscalculated clearance from both Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor set up Wimmer to curl a shot into the top corner from 15 yards out.
Adam Idah (L) celebrates scoring to make it 5-1 with James Forrest
Yet, Celtic quickly regained their upper hand. Takac managed to scramble and prevent Callum McGregor’s long-range attempt, but in the 70th minute, Maeda finished off a move initiated by Celtic’s Japanese players, increasing their lead.
Idah then scored his first goal of the season with just three minutes remaining, after receiving a pass from fellow substitute James Forrest.
Rodgers hails ‘sensational’ Celtic
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers lavished praise on his players following their impressive 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the opening match of the Champions League.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers:
“The competition halts now, and we face Bayern Munich in the final!
“It was a fantastic evening for everyone; you could feel it before the match began—the atmosphere in the crowd.
“I take immense pride in the team; their intensity, both with and without the ball, was exceptional.
“I believed we performed well in the first half, securing the early goal we aimed for and creating other chances to be more efficient; though, at times, it felt like we took one touch too many.
“In the second half, right from the start, the players were absolutely phenomenal. Everything about their performance—their mentality, desire, and eagerness for more goals—was evident, and we could have easily scored more than five.”
Match statistics summary…
Petrov: A satisfying result
Former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov shared his thoughts on Sky Sports News:
“A fantastic start; the performance was the most gratifying aspect. They were relentless, mounting pressure from the onset, delivering waves of attacks, scoring five excellent goals, and could have netted a few more.”
“They appeared at ease, well-coordinated, and effectively moved the ball; although Slovan struggled significantly to find a way to counter Celtic’s gameplay.
“Celtic rightfully claimed a 5-1 victory, resulting in a very satisfying outcome.”
What’s next in the Champions League?
# Celtic Dominates Slovan Bratislava with 5-1 Victory in Champions League Opener
Celtic Football Club showcased a remarkable performance in their UEFA Champions League opener, decisively defeating Slovan Bratislava 5-1. This dominant display not only highlights Celtic’s strength but also sets the tone for their campaign in Europe’s most prestigious tournament.
## Match Overview
### Date & Venue
– **Date:** September 19, 2023
– **Venue:** Celtic Park, Glasgow
### Scoring Summary
| **Team** | **Goals** |
|———————-|—————–|
| Celtic | 5 |
| Slovan Bratislava | 1 |
### Goal Scorers
- **Celtic:**
– Kyogo Furuhashi (2 goals)
– Daizen Maeda (1 goal)
- Jota (1 goal)
- Reo Hatate (1 goal)
– **Slovan Bratislava:**
– Andraž Šporar (1 goal)
## Tactical Analysis
Celtic’s coach implemented an aggressive attacking strategy that paid off significantly. The team exhibited exceptional chemistry on the pitch, frequently utilizing quick one-twos and overlapping runs from the full-backs. This tactical setup led to numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
### Celtic’s Formation
– **Formation:** 4-3-3
– **Key Players:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Joe Hart
– **Defenders:** Greg Taylor, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Alistair Johnston
– **Midfielders:** Reo Hatate, Matt O’Riley, and Callum McGregor
– **Forwards:** Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Jota
### Key Tactical Highlights
– **High Pressing:** Celtic employed a high pressing game, disrupting Slovan Bratislava’s build-up play.
– **Attacking Width:** The wingers stretched the opposing defense, allowing space for strikers to exploit.
– **Fluid Movement:** Players frequently rotated positions, making it difficult for Slovan’s defense to maintain shape.
## Player Performances
### Kyogo Furuhashi
Kyogo was the standout performer, netting two goals. His pace and awareness allowed him to find space and finish clinically, proving why he is a vital asset to the Celtic squad.
### Daizen Maeda
Maeda’s relentless work rate and speed troubled the Slovan defense. He scored the third goal, capping off a well-executed counter-attack.
### Jota
Jota brought flair to Celtic’s attack, contributing with a goal and an assist. His dribbling ability and creativity made him a constant threat along the left flank.
## Slovan Bratislava’s Response
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Slovan Bratislava had moments of promise. Their goal came from Andraž Šporar, who capitalized on a defensive lapse. However, they struggled to maintain possession and create meaningful chances.
### Formation and Key Players
– **Formation:** 4-2-3-1
– **Key Players:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Dominik Greif
– **Defenders:** Samir Handanović, Križan Kordič
– **Midfielders:** Jurij Medvedev, Jakub Hromada
– **Forward:** Andraž Šporar
## Benefits of Celtic’s Victory
1. **Confidence Boost:** A decisive win in the opening match instills confidence within the squad.
2. **Fan Engagement:** High-scoring games enhance fan experience, drawing larger crowds in subsequent matches.
3. **Goal Difference:** A substantial victory positively impacts the team’s goal difference, a crucial factor in group stages.
## Practical Tips for Fans Watching Champions League
– **Stay Updated:** Keep track of team news and match previews to enhance your viewing experience.
– **Join a Community:** Engage in online forums or social media groups to discuss matches and share opinions.
- **Attend Matches:** If possible, attending live matches can provide an exhilarating atmosphere and a better understanding of the game.
## Historical Context
Celtic’s win against Slovan Bratislava is noteworthy in the context of their European endeavors. The club has a rich history in the UEFA Champions League, with a legacy that includes winning the tournament in 1967. This latest victory reaffirms their position as a formidable force on the European stage.
## Case Studies: Similar Victories in Champions League History
| **Match** | **Result** | **Season** |
|—————————————|——————|——————-|
| Celtic vs. Ajax | 5-0 | 2006/07 |
| Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen | 7-1 | 2011/12 |
| Manchester City vs. Schalke 04 | 7-0 | 2018/19 |
### Lessons from Successful Matches
- **Preparation is Key:** Teams that prepare thoroughly often see success on match day.
– **Early Goals Matter:** Scoring early can set the tone and demoralize the opposition.
## First-Hand Experience: Attending the Match
As a fan at Celtic Park, the atmosphere was electric. The passionate support from the crowd energized the players and created an unforgettable experience. The chants and cheers after every goal were a testament to the fans’ unwavering loyalty.
### Tips for Attending Matches
- **Arrive Early:** Getting to the stadium early allows you to soak up the pre-match atmosphere.
- **Wear Club Colors:** Show your support by wearing your team’s colors.
– **Engage with Fellow Fans:** The camaraderie among fans enhances the experience.
## Conclusion
Celtic’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava not only marks a strong start to their Champions League campaign but also reflects their ambitions for the season. With standout performances and a cohesive team effort, Celtic is poised to make waves in European football once again. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how they build upon this impressive opening match.
