In a memorable Champions League night at a roaring Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic staged a brilliant comeback to defeat Bundesliga powerhouse RB Leipzig 3-1. After falling behind early, a double from Nicolas Kuhn and a final goal from Reo Hatate secured a vital win. The victory significantly boosts Celtic’s hopes of advancing to the tournament’s play-off round, marking a high point in their European campaign.
A Stunning Second-Half Surge
RB Leipzig, a top team in Germany’s Bundesliga, silenced the home crowd with an early goal. It was a moment that could have deflated many teams, but it only seemed to ignite a fire within the Celtic players.
Fueled by the incredible energy from the stands, Celtic responded with intense pressure and attacking determination. Their persistence paid off when Nicolas Kuhn found the back of the net to level the score. Just before halftime, Kuhn struck again, completing a remarkable turnaround and sending Celtic into the break with a 2-1 lead.
The momentum stayed firmly with the home side in the second half. Reo Hatate added a third goal, providing a comfortable cushion and sealing one of Celtic’s most impressive European victories in recent memory.
Rodgers on His Team’s “Charisma and Courage”
After the match, manager Brendan Rodgers was visibly proud of his team’s performance, highlighting their mental strength as much as their technical skill. He called it the team’s “best performance yet” under his tenure, considering the quality of the opponent.
“It wasn’t just the result, it was the performance,” Rodgers explained. “We played with great charisma and showed courage in our pressing.” He praised the players for their composure and confidence, especially after conceding the first goal.
Despite the celebration, Rodgers also injected a note of caution. He urged his team to remain grounded, stating, “We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves.” While the win is a massive step forward, he knows the job of securing a play-off spot is not yet finished.
Pundits Praise a Complete Team Performance
The reaction from football experts was overwhelmingly positive, with many hailing the quality and grit Celtic displayed. Former players and commentators lined up to commend the team’s effort against such a strong opponent.
Several key figures in the sport shared their thoughts on the match:
- James McFadden: The former Scotland international praised Celtic for sticking to their style of play and withstanding Leipzig’s pressure, noting they “totally dominated the second half.”
- Joe Hart: The former Celtic goalkeeper called it a “really great European performance,” giving special credit to Callum McGregor’s control in the midfield and Nicolas Kuhn’s decisive goals.
- Neil Lennon: The former Celtic player and manager described it as one of the best home performances he had seen since the Martin O’Neill era, calling the display “a joy to watch.”
Pat Nevin also emphasized that the victory was a result of the entire squad’s quality, stating, “This isn’t a one-off or a fluke.” He argued that on the night, Celtic proved they were the better team player-for-player.
What Lies Ahead for Celtic in Europe
This crucial victory places Celtic in a strong position in the 36-team Champions League table, pushing them to seven points. The path to the knockout stages is now much clearer, though still challenging. A top-eight finish secures an automatic last-16 spot, while finishing between 9th and 24th leads to the play-offs.
With seven points already secured, projections suggest that three more points would likely be enough for a play-off place. The team’s remaining fixtures will be critical in determining their fate.
| Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|
| Club Brugge | Home |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Away |
| Young Boys | Home |
| Aston Villa | Away |
If Celtic can build on the confidence from the Leipzig win and replicate that level of performance, they have a fantastic opportunity to make this one of their most successful European campaigns in years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in the Celtic vs RB Leipzig match?
Celtic defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in their Champions League group stage match at Celtic Park after coming back from a 1-0 deficit.
Who scored the goals for Celtic?
Nicolas Kuhn scored two goals to turn the game around for Celtic, and Reo Hatate scored the third goal to secure the victory.
How many points do Celtic need to reach the Champions League play-offs?
According to Opta projections mentioned in the context, 10 points will likely be enough to secure a spot in the play-off round. Celtic currently has seven points.
What did Brendan Rodgers say about the team’s performance?
Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s “charisma and courage,” calling it their best performance of his tenure. He highlighted their bold pressing and composure under pressure.
Who are Celtic’s next opponents in the Champions League?
Celtic’s upcoming Champions League matches are against Club Brugge (home), Dinamo Zagreb (away), Young Boys (home), and Aston Villa (away).
