A stunning comeback saw Celtic secure a vital three points in the Champions League with a 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig, as Brendan Rodgers’ side delivered another memorable European night at Celtic Park.
The Bundesliga side took the lead through Christoph Baumgartner’s header from a corner in the 23rd minute, despite Celtic having started brightly.
The Hoops responded with grit and class, with Nicolas Kuhn equalising in the 34th minute with a beautiful curling effort from the edge of the box.
Kuhn wasn’t finished, tapping home his second from close range in first-half stoppage time, sending the Celtic faithful into raptures.
Reo Hatate put the result beyond doubt in the 72nd minute, capitalising on a goalkeeping blunder from Péter Gulácsi to slam home Celtic’s third.
It was a night to savour, with the home crowd roaring in celebration as the Scottish champions claimed a crucial European win in the east end of Glasgow.
This result lifts Celtic to 13th place in the Champions League standings. With a victory in their next group match against Club Brugge on November 27 at Celtic Park, they could secure a play-off spot for the last 16, a potentially monumental achievement for Rodgers’ side.
Here’s how The Scotsman rated each Celtic player’s performance on this famous night:
- GK: Kasper Schmeichel – 9 Schmeichel had little chance with Baumgartner’s header but made a brilliant stop from Loïs Openda’s long-range strike on 22 minutes. He followed up with an excellent save from Benjamin Sesko in the second half and kept Celtic’s lead intact with a remarkable late save, tipping Baumgartner’s half-volley wide just before Hatate sealed the game.
- RB: Alistair Johnston – 9 The Canadian was immense, working seamlessly with Nicolas Kuhn. His physicality and work rate were exemplary, winning almost every duel. Johnston’s presence was crucial in stifling Leipzig’s left side, and he nearly scored just before half-time.
- CB: Auston Trusty – 8 Despite an early knock, Trusty shrugged it off and handled Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko with confidence. His composure and strong challenges reflected his growing influence in the side.
- CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers – 8 An assured display with an impressive 98% passing accuracy. Carter-Vickers’ strength at the back kept Leipzig’s attack in check, making him a formidable anchor in Celtic’s defence.
- LB: Greg Taylor – 6 Started energetically but faded as the game progressed. While he didn’t stand out, his commitment and work rate were unwavering.
- CM: Reo Hatate – 8 Hatate controlled Celtic’s tempo and floated some beautiful passes in the first half. His relentless effort was rewarded with a deserved goal, capping off a fine display in midfield.
- CM: Callum McGregor – 7 As captain, McGregor kept the midfield ticking with crisp passing and experience. His surging run early in the second half nearly set Kuhn up for another spectacular effort.
- CM: Arne Engels – 6 Engels provided strength and box-to-box energy. He started well but lost track of his marker for Leipzig’s opener. Nonetheless, he fought on, showing his resolve.
- RW: Nicolas Kuhn – 9 A star performance from Kuhn, who was unstoppable on the right. His equalising goal was superb, and he continually terrorised Benjamin Henrichs, leaving Leipzig’s left-back scrambling throughout the game.
- LW: Daizen Maeda – 6 Maeda started brightly, nearly setting up a goal in the first minute. His work rate was high, but a misplaced pass almost gifted Leipzig a second goal. He missed a golden chance to score after Kuhn’s equaliser.
- CF: Kyogo Furuhashi – 8 Furuhashi’s pressing gave Leipzig’s defence no respite. Though he saw little of goal initially, he grew in influence, creating chances and putting Leipzig’s backline under pressure in the second half.
Celtic Substitutes:
Alex Valle – 6
Came on for Taylor and injected energy down the left flank.
Paulo Bernardo – 7
Made an instant impact with a delightful outside-of-the-boot pass to Maeda, nearly creating a chance.
Liam Scales – 6
Replaced Carter-Vickers late on, helping shore up the defence.
Yang Hyun-Jun – 6
Brought on as a late substitute.
Adam Idah – N/A
Came on for the final nine minutes.
This was a night to remember for Celtic, who proved their mettle against a high-quality German opponent. With their sights now set on Club Brugge, Rodgers’ men will look to capitalise on this momentum and push further into the competition, buoyed by the belief that they can compete at the highest level.