Celtic stunned RB Leipzig with an outstanding 3-1 victory over RB Leipzig this evening.
On matchday four of the Champions League, Brendan Rodgers' men swept aside the Bundesliga giants thanks to Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate.
Here's how the players rated on the night...
Kasper Schmeichel 8
His first save came towards the midway point of the first half, as he tipped one round his near-post from distance. He could do little about Leipzig’s opener moments later, with the header from such close range and the momentum of his body going the other way. Was at full stretch to keep Celtic in front just after the hour mark. He produced an even better save around 10 minutes later. Good reactions with a strong hand at his near-post.
Alistair Johnston 8
Got forward well – as highlighted by his overlapping run for the third - used the ball well and most importantly defended well. Enjoying a great season personally.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 7
The Hoops stalwart provided great cover at the back to halt a crucial flick to avert the danger from a Leipzig attack on 20 minutes, just as the visitors were settling into the game. However, just moments later he was at fault for the first goal, with a poor defensive header putting the ball on a plate for Baumgartner to score. The experienced, usually ever-reliable defender really ought to have cleared his lines. Recovered reasonably well. Looked shattered when taken off.
Auston Trusty 8
The American defender suffered an early injury scare after going over on his left ankle. He went down in a heap, as Celtic’s medical staff rushed on to attend to him. He recovered well though, continuing his recent fine form. He stepped in to win the ball off the toe of Leipzig’s attackers on many occasions. His reading of the game is an impressive aspect of the defender, who now appears to be forming his partnership with international pal Carter-Vickers. A great header at the back-post to deny Leipzig a leveller on 54 minutes.
Greg Taylor 7
Showed great forward movement to get to the byline and set up Kuhn for his side’s second. Was full of energy, and looked more or less back up to full-match fitness and sharpness.
Reo Hatate 9
Produced fantastic quick-feet and close control to take the ball out of a congested area on the edge of the box after some brilliant pressing from Maeda to win the ball back deep in Leipzig’s half. His pass was perfectly weighted and picked out for Taylor. Was unlucky with a couple of efforts on goal from around 20 yards before eventually getting his goal to make it 3-1, showing sharp reactions to capitalise on a goalkeeping error. Ran the show.
Callum McGregor 8
Some uncharacteristically sloppy passing on display from the captain during the first half. Was much improved after the break, using his experience to ensure his team kept the ball as much as possible. He more than atoned for himself.
Arne Engels 6
Some neat and tidy touches at points – and some really slack play in others. The £11m signing is clearly a top talent as far as Celtic’s level goes. He has his moments, both good and bad as discussed. In these types of games against quality opposition though, you’re probably looking for more from him.
Nicolas Kuhn 9
The German has been outstanding so far this season. What a goal to equalise for the hosts. Whether it was a cross or shot, the 24-year-old curled one into the far corner off the post in what was a huge turning point for Celtic. As Joe Hart noted on commentary, he had a health issue that held him back after joining in January last season. He started brightly in this one, cutting inside at ease, floating a lovely ball in for Kyogo, which would’ve resulted in a certain goal if not for a vital intervention. He looks like creating something whenever he’s on the ball on current form. An easy tap-in for his double on 45 minutes.
Kyogo 8
Showed his sharpness by nicking the ball with some intense pressing. He cleverly megged his marker before his goal-bound shot was blocked. It stopped what looked to be a certain goal for the hosts right before half-time – well before Kuhn made that a reality. Was quietly effective.
Daizen Maeda 7
The Japanese forward blazed high over the bar after a delightful defence-splitting pass from Kuhn shortly after the winger scored. For all the praise he rightly gets, the finish was badly lacking on this occasion. Showed his usual high levels of intensity throughout. Had the ball in the net but was offside.
Subs:
Alex Valle (for Taylor, 67’) 5
Got stuck in. Fans will be hoping he isn’t recalled early by Barcelona.
Paulo Bernardo (for Engels, 67’) 5
Some well-deserved minutes. Must be pushing for a UCL start.
Liam Scales (for Carter-Vickers, 73’) 4
Slotted into the left side of defence.
Yang (for Kuhn, 73’) 4
Had a shot from distance sail over the bar.
Adam Idah (for Kyogo, 80’) 3
Showed good link-up play.
