Celtic began their UEFA Champions League campaign with a dominant 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava, sending a clear signal of their intent in Europe this season.
From the first whistle, Brendan Rodgers’ side applied relentless pressure, and it didn’t take long for them to break the deadlock.
After just 17 minutes, Arne Engels delivered a pinpoint corner, which Liam Scales met with a powerful header, leaving goalkeeper Dominik Takac with no chance.
The Scottish champions doubled their advantage less than two minutes into the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn whipped a dangerous ball across the face of goal, allowing Kyogo Furuhashi to tap in from close range, much to the delight of the Celtic faithful.
Celtic’s dominance continued, and ten minutes later, they were awarded a penalty. Engels confidently stepped up and converted to make it 3-0, putting the game beyond Slovan Bratislava’s reach.
The Slovakians, however, managed a moment of joy when Kevin Wimmer curled in a superb strike to make it 3-1, marking their first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League.
Celtic weren’t done, though. Just ten minutes after Wimmer’s effort, Daizen Maeda restored the three-goal cushion, slotting home past Takac with precision.
Substitute Adam Idah then rounded off a comprehensive performance, finding the net five minutes from time after a well-timed pass from James Forrest.
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has revealed he has once again switched his allegiance to Celtic.
The former defender, who has been a Celtic fan in the past, switched sides to support Rangers during Steven Gerrard’s tenure at Ibrox. However, true to his word, Carragher has reverted to backing the Hoops following Gerrard’s departure.
During a Champions League broadcast for CBS Sports, Carragher was asked by his fellow pundit Micah Richards, “Celtic or Rangers?” Without hesitation, Carragher responded, “I’m Celtic.”
His comments echoed a statement from 2020, when he said: “Right now it’s Rangers because of Steven Gerrard but as soon as Steven leaves it’ll be Celtic.”