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.
9. Nicolas Kuhn
The German said prior to the competition starting that he would achieve one of his footballing ambitions by playing in the Champions League after starring in the youth version of this competition. He did not disappoint here. Sprightly from the word go, he created an excellent chance for Furuhashi early on before his trickery and pace set up the all-important second Celtic goal, netted by the Japanese forward. Protected Johnston whenever Slovan Bratislava were in possession. Replaced on 70 minutes by Forrest. 8 | SNS Group
10. Daizen Maeda
What a frustrating player this Japanese pocket-rocket can be. He got himself on the scoresheet - finally - on 70 minutes when he steered home a Hatate pass, but his wastefulness was summed up by a first-half header from close range that was straight at the keeper. Exceptional work-rate from start to finish and was a defensive ballast to Taylor. 7 | SNS Group
11. Kyogo Furuhashi
The diminutive striker did get himself on the scoresheet at the start of the second half, but he really ought to have netted earlier on, spurning a very decent chance when clean through on Takac. His movement in the box, however, was good - emphasised by the way he timed his run to net with his midriff. Kept Slovan Bratislava's stretched defence on its toes throughout. 7 | PA
12. Substitutes
James Forrest (above) came on for Kuhn and contributed with a neat slide-rule pass to set up Adam Idah, also on as a replacement, for his goal. Auston Trusty made his debut for the club, while there were also appearances for Anthony Ralston and Paulo Bernardo. | SNS Group