Celtic got their Champions League campaign off to a dream start on Wednesday night with an excellent 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park.
Goals from Liam Scales, Kyogo Furuhashi, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah gave Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team three priceless points as they bid to make it to at least the play-off round of this revamped tournament. Kevin Wimmer scored a consolation for the visitors.
Celtic were well worth their victory over the Slovakian champions, who were unable to match the hosts’ energy and attacking prowess. The Premiership champions could have won by more had they been more clinical in front of goal.
Nevertheless, the victory at a raucous Celtic Park gives Rodgers and his players the ideal platform to spring into their next match in the Champions League away at Dortmund on October 1. They also have ties to come against Atalanta, Leipzig, Dinamo Zagreb, Club Brugge, Young Boys and and Aston Villa.
We give each player involved in the win over Slovan Bratislava a mark out of ten for their performance at Celtic Park.
5. Greg Taylor
The left-back was tenacious and always willing to support the forward line. Largely solid defensively, with one excellent block early on to deny Strelec, but was at fault for Slovan Bratislava's goal when his sclaff squirted into the sky and allowed Wimmer to execute his strike. 7 | SNS Group
6. Callum McGregor
This guy has started the season so magnificently. He was the driver behind this five-star Celtic performance, delivering the ball to his team-mates like a diligent postman, and winning it back when they lost possession. Came very close to scoring with a low long-range drive. The Celtic captain is at the top of his game. 9 | SNS Group
7. Reo Hatate
Got an assist by poking the ball through to Maeda for the fourth goal. The Japanese was always looking to get on the front foot and was one of the chief drivers in midfield. Has already struck up a decent understanding with Engels. Came off for Bernardo after a good evening's work. 8 | SNS Group
8. Arne Engels
Early days yet for the Belgian midfielder in his Celtic career, but he has started life in Glasgow very nicely indeed. The midfielder is a beautician with the ball, sweeping it elegantly with his right foot in open play and from set pieces. He set up the opener with a whipped corner and then coolly and classily converted his penalty. Becomes only the second player to score and assist a goal on his Champions League debut for Celtic after Henrik Larsson against Juventus in September 2001. Oozed panache throughout this contest. 9 | SNS Group