Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 15:00; Sunday; Sky Sports TV, league match 11
- Back to the league after heroics in Europe midweek.
- Last match in first set of fixtures. Sevco 1-0 Hearts at 5pm today. Aberdeen won 4-1 v Dundee the evening before.
- Celtic & Aberdeen joint top on 31pts each, but Celtic top on +28GB v Aberdeen’s +14pts. Both sides undefeated in league so far.
- CCV out injured, Idah and Scales in. Valle kept on the bench and didn’t come on.
- Remembrance Sunday, the minute’s silence is disrupted and cut short.
- International matches next week!
- Celtic have reportedly made £4.1m from their on-field results alone so far in this season’s Champions League.
- Celtic are at present the only side outwith Europe’s top seven leagues projected to reach Champions League knockout rounds. @FootRankings project the club will finish 18th out of the 36.
- Seven SPFL clubs challenging a ban on artificial pitches in the Premiership, scheduled to start by mid-2026. Perfect advert today demonstrating why those clubs should be told no! The Kilmarnock pitch was a disgrace and destroyed the game.
- Post-Note: Scottish FA panel found that Reo Hatate should have been shown a red card: “The panel discussed this decision at length with the majority (3:2) deeming the onfield decision incorrect. The majority (3:2) believed that VAR should have intervened and recommended an OFR for a red card to be awarded as they believed that the challenge endangered the safety of the opponent. Two members of the panel highlighted that they didn’t think the potential foul was clear and obvious enough for VAR to get involved and a caution sufficed.”
- Internationals: Kyogo, Reo & Daizen called up to Japan squad.
- Alistair Johnston reportedly close to a new Celtic deal.
- Report: Brentford see £25m-rated Nicolas Kuhn as a potential replacement for Bryan Mbeumo.
- Out on loan Celt Gustaf Lagerbielke admits he is frustrated after failing to start a single league game for Twente Enschede.
- Scottish government considering “extending the reach” of football banning orders in a bid to combat a concerning increase in the illegal use of pyrotechnics at matches by supporters.
- Celtic youth forward Daniel Cummings, 18, being tracked by a host of English clubs, but is out of contract next summer. His scoring record this season has been exceptional.
- Reo Hatate is back to his “thrilling best” with “outrageous talent and an engine to keep it all running”, says ex-Celtic striker Chris Sutton, who says the midfielder “looks to be really grasping senior-figure responsibility”.
- “I watched the Champions League this week and I see unbelievable strikers miss chances.. who am I to not miss chances?… If I scored 3 a game I probably wouldn’t be at Rangers” Sevco’s Cyriel Dessers with a silly faux pas.
- Ex Celt Matt O’Riley’s first EPL game and he scores shock winner against Man City.
- Celtic loanees Dane Murray and Tobi Oluwayemi went up against each other yesterday as Queen’s Park played Dunfermline at Hampden. Both completed 90mins, Queen’s Park winning 2-1. Ben Summers & Matthew Anderson started for Admira Wacker as they beat Voitsberg 2-1 away.
- Celtic womens’ team: 0-0 v Glasgow City but win 4-3 on penalties in the SWPL Cup/Sky Sports Cup to reach the semi-finals.
Summary
“The belief has grown in the group.”
Cameron Carter-Vickers prematch
“We have that feeling of beating Celtic,”
Kilmarnock midfielder Brad Lyons pre match
El Salto of KDS:
Great three points with a below par performance
The second goal was a thing of beauty
Why the controversy over the Reo incident when there was no VAR review for the deliberate elbow on Idah?
I thought Kilmarnock were a bunch of thugs but they definitely knocked us off our stride, it’s a template that almost every club we face in Scotland will copy, just kick us off the park. The pitch was a disgrace, and couple that with us being leggy after Tuesday, that would explain our giving up so many chances to them.
I thought just about every player was off it, though Schmeichel was excellent.
Trusty was decent for the most part, Callum and Nik were probably best of the rest, although I thought Bernardo did well when he came on.
A welcome break now for some of the players before Tynecastle.
E-Tims @ETimsNet · FT Killie 0 #Celtic 2 Might sound like an easy win…anything but! Killie the best team for majority of game. Credit to them. Also, credit to Celtic for digging out a victory after a brilliant week beating Dons and Leipzig. Top of the table. Bravo
Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland · FT: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic Big win for Celtic as Killie gave them their toughest domestic game of 2024-25, McGregor’s cross sneaked into the net either side of Kilmarnock peppering Celtic’s goal, Schmeichel made some big saves then Kühn’s brilliant solo goal to killed the game.
Everything Celtic @aboutceltic Celtic return to the top of the Scottish Premiership after our 0-2 victory over Kilmarnock. With our GD so strong, double that of Aberdeen it is as valuable as having an extra point over The Dons who are level on points.
Patrick S Murphy @PatrickSMurphy4 · The pitch doesn’t play a part of the game when you play it the Kilmarnock way, 95% of their play is in the air
Stewart Ross @StewartRoss89 For Kasper Schmeichel (MoTM) · 0.65 xCG (expected conceded goals) 97% short pass completion (29/30) 62% long pass completion (8/13) 100% dribble completion (1/1) (Wyscout) A big performance when the team needed it most!
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 K. Schmeichel
03 G. Taylor
05 L. Scales
06 A. Trusty 83′, Yellow Card at 83mins
02 A. Johnston, subbed for A. Ralston at 73mins
41 R. Hatate 80′, Yellow Card at 80mins, subbed for L. McCowan at 85mins
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain
27 A. Engels, subbed for K. Furuhashi at 63mins
38 D. Maeda 90′, Yellow Card at 90mins
09 A. Idah, subbed for Paulo Bernardo at 63mins
10 N. Kühn, subbed for J. Forrest at 74mins
Subs:
49 J. Forrest
08 K. Furuhashi
28 Paulo Bernardo
14 L. McCowan
56 A. Ralston
12 V. Sinisalo
11 Álex Valle
57 S. Welsh
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Goals:
- C. McGregor (45’+4)
- N. Kühn (71′)
Assists:
N. Kühn (45’+4), A. Johnston (71′)
Kilmarnock:
Manager: Derek McInnes
Formation: 4 – 4 – 2
20 R. McCrorie
06 R. Deas
03 C. Ndaba
04 J. Wright 11′, Yellow Card at 11mins
05 L. Mayo
10 M. Kennedy, subbed for F. Murray at 75mins
12 D. Watson, subbed for R. McKenzie at 75mins
22 L. Donnelly 83′, Yellow Card at 83mins, subbed for G. Mackay-Steven at 86mins
08 B. Lyons
23 M. Watkins, subbed for B. Anderson at 76mins
09 K. Vassell (c), Captain, subbed for I. Cameron at 46mins
Subs:
19 B. Anderson
51 O. Bainbridge
02 J. Burroughs
18 I. Cameron
14 G. Mackay-Steven
07 R. McKenzie
15 F. Murray 88′, Yellow Card at 88mins
01 K. O’Hara
31 L. Polworth
Referee Nick Walsh
Video Assistant Referee Don Robertson
Assistant Referee 1 David McGeachie
Assistant Referee 2 Jonathan Bell
Fourth Official Chris Graham
Assistant VAR Official Andrew McWilliam
Attendance:8,657
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
Kilmarnock 34.3% Celtic 65.7%
Shots
Kilmarnock 18 Celtic 10
Shots on target
Kilmarnock 6 Celtic 6
Shots off target
Kilmarnock 6 Celtic 2
Blocked shots
Kilmarnock 6 Celtic 2
Total touches in the box
Kilmarnock 36 Celtic 22
Goalkeeper saves
Kilmarnock 4 Celtic 6
Aerial duels won
Kilmarnock 18 Celtic 23
Fouls
Kilmarnock 14 Celtic 10
Corners
Kilmarnock 6 Celtic 4
Articles
Celtic’s red-hot talisman strikes again as minute’s silence cut short and Gaza banners unfurled
By Ross McLeish
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtics-red-hot-talisman-strikes-again-as-minutes-silence-cut-short-and-gaza-banner-unfurled-4860560
Comments
Published 10th Nov 2024, 17:25 GMT
Kuhn on target as Celtic move back to top of the league
Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn continued their goalscoring form to ensure Celtic emerged from a difficult test at Kilmarnock with three points and top spot in the William Hill Premiership.
McGregor’s cross drifted into the net in first-half stoppage-time and Kuhn sealed a 2-0 victory at Rugby Park when he finished from a tight angle in the 71st minute. It was the Celtic captain’s fifth of the season and Kuhn’s 10th.
Marley Watkins hit the post for Kilmarnock with the game goalless and Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had one his busier days of league action. The home team managed 18 shots at goal, six of them on target and another six blocked.
A pre-match Remembrance Sunday silence was cut short by referee Nick Walsh as a number of Celtic fans sung a song about the death of Aidan McAnespie, who was shot by a British soldier at an Army checkpoint in County Tyrone in 1988.
Supporters had already raised a series of banners which read: “From Balfour to Starmer, the crimes of the empire live on, Britain is committing genocide in Gaza.”
Celtic lost twice at Rugby Park last season before clinching the title at the same venue with a 5-0 win.
There was a clear indication of how difficult Brendan Rodgers viewed the challenge when he named a team that had only two changes from the side that beat RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
Adam Idah started up front and Liam Scales replaced pre-match fitness concern Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Derek McInnes was forced into two changes as Stuart Findlay and Danny Armstrong dropped out. Liam Donnelly and Joe Wright came in.
Celtic’s wingers made some positive runs in the opening stages but it soon became clear that the visitors would face a tough test and Schmeichel made the first of many saves when he pushed away Corrie Ndaba’s long-range drive.
There were plenty of opportunities at both ends. David Watson and Watkins were off target for the hosts and Kyle Vassell was twice denied.
The hosts came closest when Matty Kennedy’s one-touch through ball set up Watkins, who looked like he had done everything right as he dinked the ball over Schmeichel, only to see it bound off the post.
Idah could not get hold of shots from two decent chances and Robby McCrorie made an excellent fingertip save from McGregor’s long-range strike.
The breakthrough came when the Celtic captain tried to find Idah with a teasing lofted ball four minutes into stoppage-time. The ball was just out of reach of the striker’s outstretched boot but nestled in the far corner of the net.
Innes Cameron replaced Vassell and was quickly involved as Schmeichel saved from the substitute and Brad Lyons before Ndaba headed wide, all in the opening four minutes of the half.
Killie kept the pressure on but Kuhn was proving a threat on the break and he was denied by Wright’s last-ditch challenge and a brilliant stop from McCrorie.
Schmeichel was soon back in action to deny Cameron and then Kennedy with a brilliant one-handed stop after the winger had waltzed into the box.
The clincher came following a lofted ball down the wing by Alistair Johnston. Kuhn’s pace took him away from two opponents and, with two against two in the middle, the wide player had the chance to head towards goal, placing the ball just inside the far post.
Killie kept plugging away but it was Celtic who came closest to a late goal when McCrorie saved well from substitute Kyogo Furuhashi.
BBC
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
Celtic returned to the summit of the Scottish Premiership on goal difference after the intervention of Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn ensured they maintained their unbeaten league start in a thrilling contest with a spirited Kilmarnock.
To say the defending champions were tested by a vibrant, impressive Kilmarnock side, would be the understatement of the season.
The expectation was that if Brendan Rodgers’ side showed the levels they hit in the Champions League win over RB Leipzig on Tuesday, then this may have been far a more comfortable trip to Rugby Park than they often are.
It turned out to be far from it.
Derek McInnes adopted an alternative tactical approach, with two up top and Corrie Ndaba continually stepping out from the back to drive forward.
That, aligned with a relentless desire to take the game to their opponents, troubled Celtic throughout. Kilmarnock created so many chances, and will undoubtedly feel they deserved better.
A wonderful, cutting move almost gave the home side an early reward. Marley Watkins got in, and the striker clipped it past the imposing Kasper Schmeichel. Agonisingly for Kilmarnock, it clipped the post and bounded away.
Was it to be one of those days for McInnes? Yes, as it turned out.
Kyle Vassell then struck after a great turn but, as his shot angled towards the top corner, a deflection took it behind to Celtic’s relief.
Kilmarnock’s intensity was incredible but McGregor took charge just moments before the break, having been earlier denied by goalkeeper Robby McCrorie.
The Celtic captain built play and advanced his team up the pitch. When he found space, he waited for Idah to move and clipped in a cross that evaded his team-mate, and McCrorie, before nestling in the corner.
It was undeniably cruel on Kilmarnock.
They responded, though, and maintained their intensity, hemming in Celtic with Innes Cameron and Brad Lyons both going close. Then, when Matty Kennedy danced into the box, Schmeichel got low down to thwart him.
Kuhn ought to have put daylight between the sides when a one-two put him through, but McCrorie brilliantly saved.
The goalkeeper could not do the same a few minutes later. Alistair Johnston clipped a ball in behind and Kuhn seized on it, sprinting away, and flashing in a devastating finish. The German seems unstoppable right now.
Celtic took the points once more. Their quality ultimately told but this was by a distance their sternest domestic examination of the campaign.
Kilmarnock left empty-handed after brilliant display
Kilmarnock will barely believe this outcome. Their approach was brave, intriguing and full of desire. Two up top, and prepared to go man-to-man against Celtic’s three-pronged strike force. It worked so well.
Celtic just couldn’t build pressure as the home side continually probed at them, giving their backline no respite.
They were the better side for spells and came so close through Watkins.
Every element of their performance was bang on as they refused to let Celtic settle into any rhythm at all. Crucially, they just couldn’t capitalise, denied by Schmeichel and dogged defending time and time again.
The concession of the opener was so unfortunate, but they still stuck to their task. Regular performances of this standard will see Kilmarnock rise up the table quickly.
Celtic get job done after massive test
You have to earn Premiership titles and Celtic delivered here in the most testing of circumstances. They adapted to what they confronted and got the job done
In complete contrast to their recent dominant displays against Aberdeen and RB Leipzig, this showed a different side to Celtic’s character.
They were pushed and pushed to the limit but still emerged unscathed.
Captain McGregor was instrumental once more. He had gone close already before just seizing control to deliver the breakthrough.
It was fortunate but the way he calmly dictated Celtic up the pitch was impressive.
And what else is there to say about Kuhn right now? His level is off the charts and in key moments he has no hesitation.
Everything he touches seems to turn to goals, either directly or via assists. His development from last season is incredible.
Rodgers will be thrilled with the outcome but also likely by the manner of coming through such a grilling. They did so and stay very much on course.
What they said
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes: “I feel for the players. We’ve been the better team. Celtic have been getting so many plaudits of late but they didn’t enjoy that.
“I don’t think Celtic had any real control. The XG we had, the chances we created – twice as many as Celtic, twice as many touches in the box, twice as many shots – but ultimately it comes down to goals and moments.
“I’m disappointed for my players but a lot of what we wanted from the game today we got. We made it difficult for Celtic who have been swatting teams away of late.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We had to deal with a lot of pressure and direct balls. But to keep a clean sheet and work that hard, especially after midweek, then show moments of quality to get goals, I’m very proud of the team.
“A year ago, that result would maybe have gone the other way. It was a real test of different qualities and we came through it so it shows the team is in a good place.
“Nicolas [Kuhn] is growing and developing. He is disappointed with the one he missed, but his run, touch and finish were sublime. Adding numbers to his game is one of the things we talked about and it’s testament to him that he’s done that.”
Live Reporting
Andrew Petrie
‘A year ago, the result might have gone the other way’published at 17:57 Greenwich Mean Time
17:57 GMT
FT: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers told Sportsound: “Obviously we had to deal with a lot of pressure and direct balls, and deal with a lot of duels. But to keep a clean sheet and work that hard, especially after midweek, then show moments of quality to get goals, I’m very proud of the team.
“They play a pressure game, and we had to be strong and aggressive and show our spirit and to get the three points is very pleasing.
“A year ago, that result would maybe have gone the other way, but that was a real test of some different qualities and we came through it so it shows the team is in a good place.
“Nicolas [Kuhn] is growing and developing. He is disappointed with the one he missed, but his run, touch and finish were sublime. Adding numbers to his game is one of the things we talked about and it’s testament to him that he’s done that.”
‘A lot of what we wanted from the game today, we got’published at 17:48 Greenwich Mean Time
17:48 GMT
FT: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes told Sportsound: “I feel for the players. We’ve been the better team. We’re up against a talented team, a lot of talented individuals. They’ve been getting so many plaudits of late and rightly so, they’re a good team, but they didn’t enjoy that.
“I don’t think Celtic had any real control of the game, that they’re normally used to having. That was largely in part to the tenacity of the team, the fitness of the team, the intelligence of the team.
“The XG we had, the chances we created – twice as many as Celtic, twice as many touches in the box as Celtic, twice as many shots, but ultimately it comes down to goals and moments.
[On losing first goal] “It was a blow and we spoke at half time about making sure that wasn’t going to define us. We had to make sure we came out the same, try to accentuate the positives from the first half performance and try and do that again.
“I’m disappointed for my players that they’ve not got something from it. But a lot of what we wanted from the game today we got. We made it difficult for Celtic who have been swatting teams away of late. It was the type of competitive performance that I really was hoping for for my team.”
Derek McInnesImage source, SNS
Elsewhere in the Premiership…published at 17:10 Greenwich Mean Time
17:10 GMT
FT: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Remember, Rangers and Hearts have just kicked off in Ibrox. After five minutes, Rangers are ahead.
And you can find the live text to that here.
Ten out of Tenpublished at 17:05 Greenwich Mean Time
17:05 GMT
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Nicolas KuhnImage source, SNS
Celtic deliver again but pushed to the limitpublished at 17:05 Greenwich Mean Time
17:05 GMT
FT Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
It says something about Celtic that they emerged unscathed from this. How they were tested by a remarkable Kilmarnock performance but they got the job done.
Brilliant saves and dogged defending are rarely the definition of domestic success for Brendan Rodgers’ side but they were here. Added to by that bit of quality that sets them apart.
Kilmarnock will be utterly gutted. To put in so much and have nothing will hurt but they can take credit fro this.
‘Celtic had to adapt’published at 16:59 Greenwich Mean Time
16:59 GMT
FT: Kilmarnock 2-0 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
It feels as if Kilmarnock have had as many chances as Celtic, not a huge amount in it.
Kilmarnock played their game and Celtic had to adapt – but they know how to do it.
Celtic ‘shaded it’published at 16:58 Greenwich Mean Time
16:58 GMT
FT: Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
I think Celtic have shaded it, they’ve been dogged and the difference in quality in both boxes the difference.
FULL-TIME Kilmarnock 0-2 Celticpublished at 16:57 Greenwich Mean Time
16:57 GMT
Kilmarnock really, really gave Celtic a challenge there. But the reigning champions have come through it and left with all three points.
Perhaps a lesson in being more clinical for the hosts, but Derek McInnes will be unbelievably proud of the efforts of his players.
They had 18 shots, forced Kasper Schmeichel – the player of the match, in my opinion – into six saves, and pressured Celtic all over the pitch.
But Brendan Rodgers’ side responded. Once, with a bit of luck, through Callum McGregor, and then with a big of magic from Nicolas Kuhn.
Nicolas Kuhn tucks away his 10th goal of the seasonImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Nicolas Kuhn tucks away his 10th goal of the season
YELLOW CARD Daizen Maeda (Celtic)published at 90 mins
90 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
And a booking for Maeda, for good measure.
Kilmarnock then work the ball into the box, but it won’t sit for them. It has not been their day in front of goal.
YELLOW CARD Fraser Murray (Kilmarnock)published at 89 mins
89 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
And now a booking for Fraser Murray.
Killie had taken more shots against Celtic in an hour than anyone else had managed in an entire match this season.
But they’re running out of steam now.
Final few changespublished at 85 mins
85 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Luke McCowan will come on for the final few minutes, replacing yellow-carded Reo Hatate.
Liam Donnelly, also recently carded, is off. Gary Mackay-Steven, the former Celtic wide man, is on.
Not the best poker faces down at Killiepublished at 83 mins
83 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Derek McInnes dejectedImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Derek McInnes looks dejected…
Ross McCrorie frustratedImage source, SNS
Image caption,
…as does goalkeeper Robby McCrorie
YELLOW CARD Liam Donnelly (Kilmarnock)published at 83 mins
83 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel is caught late by Liam Donnelly, and he hurls himself to the floor and rolls around.
He’s up quickly though, to go head to head with Liam Donnelly.
Auston Trust is also there to shout at Donnelly, and he’s into the book alongside the Killie midfielder.
Postpublished at 81 mins
81 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
I don’t think there’s big contact there, I think that’s what saves him.
Postpublished at 79 mins
79 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
I think that’d be harsh.
But, within the letter of the law, I’ve seen that given as a red.
YELLOW CARD Reo Hatate (Celtic)published at 79 mins
79 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Reo Hatate has caught Liam Donnelly quite high there, and Nick Walsh is quick to flash the yellow card.
There’s immediately a VAR check announced over the tannoy.
The replay shows he catches him studs up and high, but perhaps not very strongly. Play on.
Postpublished at 79 mins
79 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel, behave yourself.
He’s just rouletted away from the pressing Kilmarnock striker. All aboard the showboat!
He’s made more saves than he has in any league game this season, and he’s doing things like that.
Triple change for Killiepublished at 75 mins
75 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
A triple change for Kilmarnock to somehow try and salvage something from a game that some would suggest they deserve something from.
Rory McKenzie, Fraser Murray, and Bruce Anderson on. David Watson, Matty Kennedy, and Marley Watkins replaced.
Postpublished at 73 mins
73 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Alistair Johnston and Nicolas Kuhn, who just combined for that goal, are off.
Anthony Ralston and James Forrest come on.
10 goals for the season now for Kuhn, becoming Celtic’s top scorer.
Postpublished at 72 mins
72 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
He’s the calmest man in this stadium.
Ten yards before he done it, he knew what he was doing.
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Postpublished at 72 mins
72 mins
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
He’s unselfish in his running, he’s so quick and too quick for Deas and Watson.
That is the game for Celtic.
goal
GOAL Kilmarnock 0-2 CELTICpublished at 70 mins
70 mins
Nicolas Kuhn
Celtic have got the second goal they so desperately needed!
A simple long ball gets Kuhn away from Robbie Deas, he skips inside of David Watson and curls into the bottom corner.
Class from Kuhn, again. Not the last time we’ll say that.
Celtic goal graphic
Postpublished at 69 mins
69 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Now then…
Kyogo takes a touch past a Killie defender in the box and goes down as he tries to round him. Nick Walsh, the referee, isn’t having it.
Postpublished at 65 mins
65 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
If Kilmarnock had a Kyogo or Idah in their side, they would have had two or three today.
One of their many chances should have been taken.
Postpublished at 65 mins
65 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Brilliant save from Kasper Schmeichel!
Matty Kennedy steals the ball on the edge of the box, jinks onto hsis right and curls low, but Schmeichel is down well.
Their xG is 2.06 – how have they not scored?!
Postpublished at 64 mins
64 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Kilmarnock are keeping Celtic honest, and another long cross into the box is almost met by a Killie head.
This time, Brad Lyons can only head into the ground rather than the back of the net.
Postpublished at 63 mins
63 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Adam Idah and Arne Engels are the men replaced by Kyogo Furuhashi and Paulo Bernardo.
Tough shifts for those two this afternoon.
Postpublished at 62 mins
62 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
Good luck getting the highlights cut down to a few minutes tonight! There’s been plenty from both sides.
It’s been a better second half than the first, arguably – and that was a good one.
The goalkeepers are doing exceptionally for both sides, I can’t believe it’s only 1-0.
Postpublished at 61 mins
61 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Huge save from Robby McCrorie!
Adam Idah slides the ball to Nicolas Kuhn, he’s one-on-one, but McCrorie saves from a few yards out. Incredible stop.
Kilmarnock come forward and Innes Cameron fires at goal, with Kasper Schmeichel saving at his near post.
Postpublished at 60 mins
60 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
A quick look at the stats says Kilmarnock have had 14 shots to Celtic’s five, if you’re wondering who has dominated.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Paulo Bernardo are getting stripped for the visitors.
Postpublished at 58 mins
58 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
Arne Engels isn’t enjoying it, is he?
He’s getting tackled all over the place, he’s getting closed down.
He wants space to get his head up. He’s hardly got half a second.
Postpublished at 56 mins
56 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Alistair Johnston and Corrie Ndaba go head to head after the Canadian reacts angrily to the Killie defender’s challenge.
Celtic are by no means comfortable here.
Postpublished at 53 mins
53 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Kilmarnock have won nine points from losing positions this season – more than any other side in the league.
And they force Schmeichel into action again as Brad Lyons whips a cross in, which the keeper punches high into the air. He was practically under his own crossbar there.
Postpublished at 51 mins
51 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Kilmarnock get the ball into the box, it bobbles around and strikes the arm of Auston Trusty behind his back, but the VAR check dismisses it.
Meanwhile, Celtic get up the pitch, Nicolas Kuhn collects in the Kilmarnock box, but Joe Wright gets back to block. Important defending.
The second half has started at 100mph.
Postpublished at 49 mins
49 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
Do you know any goalkeepers who saves more goals with his feet than Kasper Schmeichel?
Incredible.
Postpublished at 49 mins
49 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
A good corner to the back post for Kilmarnock, but Corrie Ndaba can only head wide. It was at an awkward height for him, I don’t think he was expecting it.
It’s been a strong start for the hosts but they still can’t find a route to goal.
Postpublished at 48 mins
48 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Another huge chance for Kilmarnock!
A cross from the left is missed by David Watson but it comes to Brad Lyons at the back post. He takes a touch and drills low, but Kasper Schmeichel makes the save.
Could Lyons have laid that back to Watson? I think so.
Postpublished at 47 mins
47 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Matthew Kennedy attempted just three passes in the first half.
He’s created more chances (28) than any player in the Scottish Premiership this season, despite this only has one assist to his name.
The problem for Killie is, he’s still limping about. I can’t see him lasting much longer.
Kilmarnock’s Matty Kennedy and Celtic’s Alistair Johnston in actionImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 46 mins
46 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Almost a brilliant start from Innes Cameron, who picks up the ball from the edge of the box and fires a shot at goal, but Kasper Schmeichel is right behind it.
Celtic get up the other end and Adam Idah beats Robby McCrorie to the ball but his shot takes the ball out of play.
KICK-OFFpublished at 46 mins
46 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Well, that’s not ideal for Kilmarnock. They’ve had to replace Kyle Vassell at half time, with big Innes Cameron coming on. Matty Kennedy is fit enough to continue, at least.
The second half begins.
LIVE stream page 3
McInnes plan almost pays offpublished at 16:06 Greenwich Mean Time
16:06 GMT
HT: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
Derek McInnes said before the game he wanted to dominate the midfield but he was leaving two strikers up top. It’s either or.
Unless you’ve got a different plan. He had Ndaba going from left back to come into midfield, up against Engels.
Really, really smart. However, make one mistake and you get punished.
Caption contest…published at 16:03 Greenwich Mean Time
16:03 GMT
HT: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Shocked Derek McInnesImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Answers on a postcard, please!
Not your goal to celebrate, Adam…published at 16:01 Greenwich Mean Time
16:01 GMT
HT: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Adam Idah celebrates vs KilmarnockImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Adam Idah may feel he got a nick on the shot, but, we’re attributing it to Callum McGregor
Kuhn-believablepublished at 16:00 Greenwich Mean Time
16:00 GMT
HT: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn has contributed to goals in his last seven away games in the Scottish Premiership (two goals, seven assists).
Nicolas Kuhn warming up vs KilmarnockImage source, SNS
Football can be so, so cruelpublished at 15:55 Greenwich Mean Time
15:55 GMT
HT: Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
Celtic ahead with more than a slice of fortune. They perhaps needed that given what they’ve faced.
They knew they were in a right old game here. Home fans were howling their team on and that was the direct result of what Kilmarnock delivered.
The home side have been absolutely relentless, creative and will feel they should have been ahead after only the post denied Marley Watkins. They’ve carved out other great chances beyond that.
That blow, and the nature of it will make it so, so hard for Derek McInnes to lift them. They did everything right up until that breakthrough.
HALF-TIME Kilmarnock 0-1 Celticpublished at 15:53 Greenwich Mean Time
15:53 GMT
Aw, Kilmarnock. They must be gutted.
They’ve run and run, they’ve carved out a few glorious chances with Marley Watkins hitting a post and Kyle Vassell’s goalbound effort deflected over.
And then, in the dying breaths of the first half, they concede.
I wonder what Brendan Rodgers’ half-time team talk will sound like.
Dejected Derek McInnesImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 45+4 mins
45+4 mins
Kilmarnock 0-1 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
It’s what Celtic do, it’s how they want the game to go.
Additional time felt like the longest four minutes for Kilmarnock, and it proved it.
goal
GOAL Kilmarnock 0-1 CELTICpublished at 45+3 mins
45+3 mins
Callum McGregor
Celtic are toying with Kilmarnock on the edge of the area, McGregor curls in a cross…
And it’s in! I don’t think Adam Idah got a touch to that, and it fooled Robby McCrorie in the Kilmarnock goal.
A disaster for the hosts, who have dominated large spells on this first half.
Celtic goal graphic
Postpublished at 45+1 mins
45+1 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Four minutes of added time to be played. Daizen Maeda sprints past Lewis Mayo for just about the first time, but his cross from the byeline is blocked.
There’s two Kilmarnock players not moving freely. Maybe they’d take 0-0 at the break.
Postpublished at 42 mins
42 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Kilmarnock go close again!
Kyle Vassell receives a low cross, spins brilliantly and fires a shot at goal – but Auston Trusty makes an important block and the ball goes over the bar.
The hosts will be disappointed not to be ahead as we close in on half-time.
Postpublished at 41 mins
41 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Daizen Maeda clatters into Matty Kennedy, after Robbie Deas’ brilliant last-ditch tackle on Reo Hatate.
No booking for Maeda, who was almost booked earlier for catching Kyle Vassell. Lucky boy.
Daizen MaedaImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 40 mins
40 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
That Kilmarnock chance was a strange one, coming right in the middle of Celtic’s best spell so far.
It was good work from Kasper Schmeichel, who may not have made a save to deny Marley Watkins but closed down the space well.
Postpublished at 38 mins
38 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Matty Kennedy throws himself down in the box, but Nick Walsh isn’t having it.
It was Nicolas Kuhn who charged into the back of Kennedy but it looked to be outside the box. The Killie winger sort of got back to his feet, before falling over inside the area.
Not even a free-kick in the end.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 35 mins
35 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Kilmarnock cut Celtic open, Marley Watkins is through on goal, he clips the ball over the keeper…
But it comes off the post and Celtic put it behind for a corner.
Inches away from an opener!
Postpublished at 33 mins
33 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
It’s the first spell that Kilmarnock looked like they’d taken a deep breath, Celtic had started to find the spare man.
Decent spell, but can they get to half-time level and see this through?
Postpublished at 31 mins
31 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
It looks like Kilmarnock have tired a little, as Celtic begin to truly dominate possession.
However, as soon as the visitors try to work the ball to Adam Idah, Corrie Ndaba is there to pressure the striker and force the ball backwards.
Kilmarnock manage first quarter impressivelypublished at 27 mins
27 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
This has been really impressive from the home side.
No sitting back, they’re taking it right to Celtic with an approach that’s allowing Corrie Ndaba to sit centrally and get forward. He’s doing it so effectively until now.
It’s a period you feel they need to capitalise on as Brendan Rodgers deliberates tactical tweaks on the touchline to change the flow.
Postpublished at 26 mins
26 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn breaks forward and wins a corner. He had acres of space there.
The corner is worked back to Callum McGregor on the edge of the box. He slices across his shot, aiming for the back post, but Robby McCrorie is able to tip past the post.
Postpublished at 25 mins
25 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Liam Donnelly battles with Celtic’s Reo HatateImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Liam Donnelly battles with Celtic’s Reo Hatate
Postpublished at 24 mins
24 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Brad Lyons arrows a ball into the Celtic box to find Kyle Vassell. The striker clips a cross back in, over the head of Marley Watkins, and the half-volley from David Watson is way over.
Brilliant counter-attacking play from the hosts.
LIVE stream page 4
Postpublished at 21 mins
21 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Arne Engels takes a sore one in the unmentionables, blocking a Corrie Ndaba cross.
Take your time, pal.
Postpublished at 19 mins
19 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound
It’s one of my favourite tactics that I’ve seen in the Scottish game this season.
It’s really brave, they’re going man for man. They’re trusting their defenders.
At the moment, Kilmarnock are the better side.
Postpublished at 18 mins
18 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Stephen McGinn
Former Kilmarnock midfielder on BBC Sportsound
It’s going to be very hard for Kilmarnock to keep up this intensity.
They’re not letting Celtic players get their heads up, they’re on them when they try to play a pass.
They need to score while they’re on top.
Postpublished at 16 mins
16 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Corrie Ndaba picks up the ball near the half way line and drives forward, firing low from 25 yards out – but Kasper Schmeichel gets down well.
A reminder of the threat from the hosts.
ouch!
Ouch!published at 13 mins
13 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Adam Idah is still receiving attention. There’s plenty of claret flowing, so he’ll need patched up.
There’s also howls and discontent around the ground, but VAR has had a look at the challenge and is happy with the yellow card.
Adam IdahImage source, SNS
YELLOW CARD Joe Wright (Kilmarnock)published at 10 mins
10 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
An early booking for Joe Wright as he catches Adam Idah in the face with an albow during an aerial duel.
An 80-minute tightrope walk for the Kilmarnock centre-back, who has already been sent off twice this season.
Postpublished at 7 mins
7 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Kilmarnock swing a free-kick into the Celtic box and the ball deflects towards goal, where Kasper Schmeichel sweeps the ball away first-time with his feet.
An odd, yet composed, clearance.
Postpublished at 5 mins
5 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Big chance!
Daizen Maeda is able to get a cross into the box, Joe Wright misreads the ball and it drops to Adam Idah, but he can only softly stab towards goal.
Should have done better.
Postpublished at 3 mins
3 mins
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
It’s been a lively start, with Celtic getting into the Kilmarnock box twice early on.
Corrie Ndaba was almost caught out with Arne Engels getting in behind, but the Killie left-back got back well.
Kyle Vassell and Liam ScalesImage source, SNS
Ominous task with Celtic in this formpublished at 15:03 Greenwich Mean Time
15:03 GMT
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Rugby Park
History suggests Kilmarnock can trouble Celtic. Recent history, even the past seven days, suggests otherwise.
Celtic are absolutely flying right now and come here on the crest of a wave after that statement Champions League win over RB Leipzig.
Every single element of Kilmarnock’s performance will likely have to be bang on. They’ve beaten Rangers here recently but it feels like they’ll need to deliver even more against this side.
Add to that, Celtic won 5-0 at this venue in May and are currently being pushed at the top of the table by Aberdeen.
KICK-OFFpublished at 1 min
1 min
Kilmarnock 0-0 Celtic
And it’s the hosts who get us under way, with David Watson almost into the book straight away as he clatters former Killie man Greg Taylor – who is now sporting quite spectacular 90s curtains.
Postpublished at 15:01 Greenwich Mean Time
15:01 GMT
Kilmarnock v Celtic (15:00)
On Remembrance Sunday, the minute’s silence is disrupted and cut short here at Rugby Park.
Kick-off shortly, with Kilmarnock in their home kit and Celtic in their yellow and green away kit.
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic: Hoops back on top of Scottish Premiership with hard-fought victory at Rugby Park
https://www.skysports.com/football/kilmarnock-vs-celtic/report/509964
Report as Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2-0 at Rugby Park; Callum McGregor put the Hoops ahead after Marley Watkins had hit the post for the hosts; Nicolas Kuhn doubled their lead in the second half; the Hoops top the Premiership going into the international break; Kilmarnock are eighth
Alison Conroy
Digital Sports Journalist @AlisonGConroy
Sunday 10 November 2024 17:49, UK
Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn makes it two for Celtic with a cool finish against Kilmarnock
Celtic returned to the top of the Scottish Premiership with a hard-fought 2-0 win against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.
After reaching the League Cup final and their impressive Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, the Hoops knew they had to end the week on a high after Aberdeen’s win over Dundee took them to the summit on Saturday.
Killie, who have already stunned Rangers this season, were determined and Marley Watkins came agonisingly close to scoring the opener with his shot crashing off the foot of the post.
How the teams lined up | Match stats
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CELTIC.
Celtic take the lead against Kilmarnock after Callum McGregor’s cross finds its way into the net!
But, with half-time approaching, Callum McGregor put Celtic in front, his curling cross from outside the box finding its way past Robby McCrorie.
Derek McInnes’ side continued to threaten, with Kasper Schmeichel showing his class to deny Matty Kennedy and Brad Lyons before Nicolas Kuhn wrapped up the win when he smashed a shot into the corner to make it four goals in his last three games.
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Celtic are ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, with both teams on 31 points going into the international break, while Kilmarnock remain eighth.
Hoops see off spirited Kilmarnock to return top
Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn secured Celtic’s win at Kilmarnock
Image: McGregor and Kuhn secured Celtic’s win at Kilmarnock
Celtic lost twice at Rugby Park last season before clinching the title at the same venue with a 5-0 win.
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There was a clear indication of how difficult Brendan Rodgers viewed the challenge when he named a team that had only two changes from the side that beat RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
Adam Idah started up front and Liam Scales replaced pre-match fitness concern Cameron Carter-Vickers.
McInnes was forced into two changes as Stuart Findlay and Danny Armstrong dropped out. Liam Donnelly and Joe Wright came in.
Celtic’s wingers made some positive runs in the opening stages but it soon became clear that the visitors would face a tough test and Schmeichel made the first of many saves when he pushed away Corrie Ndaba’s long-range drive.
There were plenty of opportunities at both ends. David Watson and Watkins were off target for the hosts and Kyle Vassell was twice denied.
Marley Watkins went close to giving Kilmarnock the lead just before half-time
The hosts came closest when Kennedy’s one-touch through ball set up Watkins, who looked like he had done everything right as he dinked the ball over Schmeichel, only to see it rebound off the post.
Idah could not get hold of shots from two decent chances and McCrorie made an excellent fingertip save from McGregor’s long-range strike.
The breakthrough came when the Celtic captain tried to find Idah with a teasing lofted ball four minutes into stoppage-time. The ball was just out of reach of the striker’s outstretched boot but nestled in the far corner of the net.
Nicolas Kuhn has scored four goals in Celtic’s last three games
Image: Kuhn has scored four goals in Celtic’s last three games
Innes Cameron replaced Vassell and was quickly involved as Schmeichel saved from the substitute and Lyons before Ndaba headed wide, all in the opening four minutes of the second half.
Killie kept the pressure on but Kuhn was proving a threat on the break and was denied by Wright’s last-ditch challenge and a brilliant stop from McCrorie.
Schmeichel was soon back in action to thwart Cameron and then Kennedy with a brilliant one-handed stop after the winger had waltzed into the box.
The clincher came following a lofted ball down the wing by Alistair Johnston. Kuhn’s pace took him away from two opponents and, with two against two in the middle, the wide player had the chance to head towards goal, placing the ball just inside the far post.
Rodgers: We showed a different side
preview image
Brendan Rodgers has his say on Celtic’s win over Kilmarnock where Kasper Schmeichel put in a great performance.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Sky Sports:
“The players have shown this week they can deal with all types of games so today was an absolutely brilliant win and showed a different side to us.
“Last year we came here and lost a game like that, but we knew they would be motivated to play against us. That was the case and we had to stand up to that.
“We knew we also had to defend well and need Kasper [Schmeichel] to make some good saves.
“[The first goal] was a moment where we settled the game and it’s a good time to score, just before half time.
“I never felt comfortable just because of the directness of Kilmarnock so it was a great time to score but we needed another one and thankfully we got that.
“We’re on the right track, we’ve shown all the various qualities you need to win games in different types of games at the very highest level.
“We came off a performance in midweek which is as good as I’ve had in both my times here and then you’ve got to come here, dig deep and show those fighting qualities.”
On the disrupted silence at Rugby Park on Remembrance Sunday, Rodgers added:
“If it’s a minute’s silence, it’s a minute’s silence. There’s a little bit of issue around that each year for us, but if it’s a minute you do that.”
McInnes: We didn’t take our chances
preview image
Derek McInnes gives his thoughts after Kilmarnock’s loss to Celtic.
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes on Sky Sports:
“We don’t take our chances that were presented to us.
“The game played out the way I was kind of hoping. It wasn’t just about work rate, it was looking after the next pass and causing Celtic problems.
“The goal was the sucker punch right before half-time and it came out of nothing. That is their quality.
“Full of pride in terms of the effort and how we tried to execute what we wanted to do.”