Celtic Dominates Slovan Bratislava with 5-1 Victory in Champions League Opener
Celtic began their Champions League campaign in stunning fashion, securing a commanding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava. Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his team’s "greed, hunger, and mentality," as they delivered an impressive performance at Celtic Park. The win marked a perfect start for the Scottish champions in the newly expanded 36-team league format.
Liam Scales set the tone early, scoring a crucial first-half header. In the second half, Celtic completely took control. Kyogo Furuhashi extended the lead shortly after the break, followed by goals from Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, and substitute Adam Idah, sealing a comprehensive victory. The last time Celtic had five different scorers in a European competition match was over 50 years ago, a remarkable feat that emphasized the depth and versatility of Rodgers’ squad.
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Rodgers reflected on the team's performance, particularly highlighting the intensity and determination his players showed after halftime. "We were strong in the first half, but in the second half, wow," Rodgers said. He described the players' mindset as being key to their success. "The hunger and greed the team showed was phenomenal. We could’ve scored more than five."
This impressive display not only boosts Celtic's confidence but also strengthens their financial position, with the club earning £1.7m for the win. As part of the Champions League's lucrative group stage rewards, Celtic is expected to collect a significant portion of the £40m prize fund available. With tougher challenges ahead, including upcoming matches against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, Rodgers remains optimistic about his team’s potential in the competition.
Looking ahead, Celtic will need to maintain this form to secure a top-eight finish, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16. Their next matches, particularly against Dortmund in Germany, will provide a true test of their ambitions. However, for now, Celtic fans can celebrate a spectacular start to their Champions League journey, as the team demonstrated not only skill and composure but also a relentless mentality that could take them far in the tournament.
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