Celtic Kick Off Champions League Campaign with Impressive 5-1 Win
Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, praised the “greed, hunger, and mentality” of his players as they started their Champions League campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava. Liam Scales’ header in the first half set the tone for the Scottish champions, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah all finding the net in the second half to secure the win.
Rodgers was full of praise for his team, particularly their performance in the second half. He commended their greed, hunger, and mentality, expressing his pride in their display. The victory was a significant achievement for Celtic, as it marked the first time in 51 years that they had five different scorers in a European Cup or Champions League match.
The manager highlighted the importance of simplicity and staying true to their style of play. He emphasized that there was no need for his team to do anything special, but rather to focus on being themselves. Rodgers pointed out that the tactical approach of their opponents, Slovan Bratislava, mirrored that of some teams they face in their domestic league, reinforcing the idea that they should approach every game in the same manner.
Looking ahead, Celtic face tougher tests in the form of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge, and Young Boys, among others. However, Rodgers remains confident, stating that the first steps in the tournament are crucial, and the team’s performance in their opening match was fantastic. He also praised the fans for their unwavering support, expressing his desire to make their home ground a fortress.
Pundits and former players also weighed in on Celtic’s impressive performance. Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart highlighted the incredible energy and passion displayed by the team, while former Scotland international James McFadden praised their technical prowess and overall dominance. Another former Celtic goalkeeper, Pat Bonner, emphasized the hunger displayed by every player, making them a formidable opponent for bigger teams. BBC Scotland chief sports writer Tom English described the performance as strong, dynamic, and relentless, highlighting the team’s confidence, hunger, and edge.
As the campaign progresses, Celtic fans are left with a sense of excitement and optimism. The team’s impressive start has boosted confidence, but tougher challenges lie ahead. The upcoming matches will put their abilities to the test, but the fans remain hopeful that their team will continue to perform at such a high level.
In terms of the Champions League format, Celtic’s aim is to secure a top-eight finish, which would guarantee them a place in the last 16. However, even finishing between ninth and 24th place would earn them a playoff spot. According to analysis by Opta, accumulating 16 points would almost certainly secure a top-eight finish, while 10 points would be sufficient for a playoff spot.
Overall, Celtic’s opening Champions League victory has set a positive tone for the rest of their campaign. The team’s hunger, technical ability, and dominant performance have impressed both pundits and fans alike. As they face tougher opponents in the coming matches, Celtic will look to build on their early success and continue to make a statement in the tournament.