Scintillating Celtic put on a five-star Champions League masterclass as they overpowered newcomers Slovan Bratislava to win their opening game in the competition for the time time at the 13th attempt.
Brendan Rodgers’ side ran out rampant 5-1 winners on a rare night when the Scottish champions began the match as favourites against the lowest-ranked team in Europe’s premier competition.
This was a truly invigorating performance full of energy, poise and panache and marked the ideal start for the Hoops as they kicked off the new-look format in style. Not only did they managed to score FIVE goals for the first time ever in a Champions League game, Rodgers set his team up perfectly.
They looked far hungrier than the Slovakian champions, who had reached this stage after coming through four qualifying rounds, where they disposed of Struga (North Macedonia), Celje (Slovenia), Apoel Nicosia (Cyprus) and FC Midtjylland (Denmark).
It didn’t take long for Celtic to open the scoring when centre-back Liam Scales rose highest in a crowded penalty area to glance home Arne Engels’ corner on 17 minutes and a flurry of other opportunities followed. However, the hosts were unable to add to the scoreline before the interval.
The second half began just as the first had with Celtic firmly on the front foot and Kyogo Furuhashi doubled their lead two minutes after the restart. Terrific work from Nicolas Kuhn saw the German winger skip past two opponents before hitting the by-line and squaring the ball to the Japanese frontman to tap home from point-blank range.
That goal seemed to banish any lingering nerves among the vocal Celtic support and further chances came their way with Engels coolly slotting home a third goal from the penalty spot after Alistair Johnston was clipped on the heel by Danylo Ihnatenko after getting to the ball first.
Kevin Wimmer’s outstanding finish with the outside of his boot handed Bratislava a consolation on the hour mark, but Celtic were still hungry for more goals and Reo Hatate teed up Daizen Maeda to re-establish a three-goal cushion ten minutes later. And substitute Adam Idah timed his run to perfect to latch onto fellow sub James Forrest’ defence-splitting pass to ice the cake four minutes from time.
Here’s how we rated the Celtic players on a fabulous night at Parkhead.
5. Greg Taylor - 8/10
Often viewed as the weak link in European competition in recent seasons, but is oozing confidence this season. Clever pass released Hatate down the left in the opening minutes. Not tight enough to Strelec which led to the visitors first chance. Allowed acres of space to pick out Maeda with a lofted cross when the Japanese should've done better. Solid at the back. | SNS Group
6. Callum McGregor - 7/10
The skipper was making his 95th European appearance. Tried his luck from distance midway through the second half but drilled shot flew just wide of target. Dictated the play in the middle of the park and his ball retention was really good. | Getty Images
7. Reo Hatate - 8/10
Clever pass inside for Kyogo who blazed over. Linked well with his Japanese teammates on a couple of occasions. Sensational touch and pass to Maeda for Celtic's fourth goal. A bundle of energy who covered every blade of grass. Subbed. | Getty Images
8. Arne Engels - 9/10
Making his Champions League bow, the Belgian had a few early corners which caused the Slovakians real problems. Teasing delivery headed home by Scales. Forced the keeper to save his powerful drive from edge of the box. Made no mistake from the penalty spot for a second successive game, slotting low into the bottom corner. Always a threat and is living up to his £11m price tag already. | SNS Group