In a performance that Celtic fans won’t soon forget, Brendan Rodgers’ side showed resilience and flair, roaring back from a goal down to defeat RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League. The win, marked by a spirited response and exceptional pressing, leaves Celtic in a promising position, inching closer to the tournament’s play-off round.
RB Leipzig, currently second in the Bundesliga, found an early goal at a raucous Celtic Park. However, a double from Nicolas Kuhn turned the game around, and Reo Hatate’s clincher sealed an impressive victory. For Rodgers, this win stands out as a highlight in his European tenure with Celtic, both for the opponent’s caliber and the all-around team performance.
Rodgers Lauds Celtic’s Poise Under Pressure
After the match, Rodgers was full of praise for his team’s display, emphasizing their boldness on the pitch. “It wasn’t just the result, it was the performance,” he said, noting the composure and confidence that the players demonstrated. “We played with great charisma and showed courage in our pressing. To play at that level against a team like Leipzig—this is definitely our best performance yet.”
Rodgers also expressed cautious optimism, urging his team to stay humble. “We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves,” he remarked, acknowledging that while the team’s progress is exciting, there’s still work to be done to secure a place in the Champions League play-off round.
With this victory, Celtic now sits 13th in the 36-team table, level on points with Manchester City in sixth. As the tournament progresses, a top-eight finish would guarantee an automatic last-16 place, while finishing between ninth and 24th would place them in the play-offs.
Celtic’s Path So Far and the Road Ahead
Celtic’s Champions League journey this season has been a mixed bag. Their campaign opened with a convincing win over Slovan Bratislava, followed by a harsh defeat to Borussia Dortmund and a gritty draw against Atalanta. The win against Leipzig marks a high point, pushing Celtic to seven points at the campaign’s halfway mark.
The upcoming matches will be crucial. Next, Celtic hosts Club Brugge, followed by a trip to Dinamo Zagreb, a home game against Young Boys, and finally, a challenging road game against Aston Villa. According to Opta’s projections, Celtic would need 16 points for a near-guaranteed top-eight finish, with 10 points likely securing a play-off spot. With seven points so far, Rodgers’ team is well on its way but cannot afford to slip.
Pundits Weigh In on Celtic’s Stellar Display
The pundit reactions following the match were effusive, with praise coming from former players and commentators alike. Former Scotland international James McFadden praised Celtic’s perseverance, noting their ability to withstand Leipzig’s pressure. “They totally dominated the second half,” he observed. “Celtic didn’t waver from their style and showed they could maintain belief even when tested.”
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart also commended the team’s quality, calling it a “really great European performance.” He singled out Callum McGregor, whose midfield control helped drive the team forward, and Nicolas Kuhn, whose two goals were pivotal in swinging the momentum.
Pat Nevin, another former Scotland international, praised Kuhn but stressed that the entire squad deserved credit for their display. “This isn’t a one-off or a fluke,” Nevin stated, noting that, in his view, Celtic, player-for-player, demonstrated they were the better team on the night.
Neil Lennon, a former Celtic player and manager, went even further, declaring the match one of the finest home performances he’d seen from a Celtic side since the days of Martin O’Neill. “It was a joy to watch,” he said, echoing the pride felt by Celtic’s supporters.
A Victory Built on Confidence and Grit
Celtic’s approach to this game was a blend of defensive resilience and offensive tenacity. The early goal from Leipzig could have rattled a lesser team, but instead, it spurred Celtic on. With the crowd’s energy behind them, they pressed harder, and their persistence paid off. Kuhn’s first goal leveled the score, and his second just before halftime put Celtic in control. Hatate’s goal in the second half removed any doubt, providing the cushion needed to see out the game.
Rodgers emphasized that Celtic’s recent results had helped build a “real nice confidence” within the squad. “If you told us after the Dortmund game we’d have four points from the next two games, I don’t think too many people would have believed it,” he noted. The results, he said, are “a great next step,” but there’s “still so much to do.”
Celtic’s Formula for Success: Solid Midfield and High Press
The backbone of Celtic’s success in this game was their midfield, led by McGregor, whose commanding performance brought composure and control. McGregor was a key orchestrator, connecting defense to attack and ensuring that Celtic retained possession even under pressure. Kuhn’s forward play and Hatate’s tactical awareness added to the team’s dynamic, while their pressing game kept Leipzig unsettled throughout.
This victory demonstrated Celtic’s potential against high-level competition. Rodgers’ approach, emphasizing high-intensity pressing and fluid movement, worked brilliantly against Leipzig. If Celtic can replicate this performance in their remaining games, they have every chance of reaching the Champions League play-off round and perhaps going even further.
Next Steps: Eyes on the Play-Off Round
With Leipzig behind them, Celtic now faces a series of matches that could define their Champions League season. Their upcoming clash with Club Brugge will be pivotal in determining their chances of moving up in the standings. Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys, and Aston Villa each present unique challenges, but if Rodgers can keep his squad focused and maintain their current form, Celtic has a real shot at making the play-offs or even the last-16.
Rodgers, however, remains cautious. “We have to stay grounded and keep working,” he emphasized. Yet, for fans and players alike, this win over Leipzig has stoked excitement and raised hopes for what might be Celtic’s most promising European campaign in years.
