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.
9. Nicolas Kuhn - 9/10
Like Engels, the German winger was sampling his first taste of Champions League football. And what a debut to remember... Almost slipped Kyogo through on goal with a short pass. Looked a real attacking threat throughout. Wiped out by Wimmer but was able to continue. Clever dinked cross for Maeda. Outstanding work to race past two opponents, hit the by-line and pick out Kyogo for the second goal - his fourth assist of the season. Subbed. | Getty Images
10. Daizen Maeda - 9/10
Passed up two good early chances to open the scoring, firstly gathering Johnston's pass before lashing a shot high over the bar. Then headed straight at keeper from six yards out after finding himself unmarked in the box. Skewed a header wide from Kuhn's cross. Held his line well to collect Hatate's pass and coolly slot home number four. Bratislava's leaky defensive line couldn't cope with his pace and movement. | SNS Group
11. Kyogo Furuhashi - 7/10
Had just six touches during the first half. Denied by the keeper's outstretched boot when he looked destined to score moments after the opener. Blazed over the top first time from just inside the box. Well positioned to knock home Kuhn's cross from point-blank range - his 75th goal since joining the Hoops. Denied by keeper after being slipped in by Kuhn shortly after. Subbed. | SNS Group
12. James Forrest (SUB) - 5/10
Experienced winger replaced Kuhn on 71 mins. Tremendous defence-splitting pass through for Idah to slot home. Another strong impact. | SNS Group