2024-11-05: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig, European Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025

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Trivia

• KO: 20:00 UK time Tuesday; TNT Sports TV; Guy Fawkes Night in the UK.
• Champions League, Group Match 4
• Celtic have won three Champions League games at home on the spin for the first time since 2007, undefeated in their last four home games in the competition. The Celtic Park effect in the Champions League is back!
• One of the greatest performances in Europe by Celtic in the past decade. Incredible night.
• Celtic up to 13th in the table (albeit more group matches the next day to come). Or joint 6th if you’re watching in Aberdeen! Celtic on 7pts & 0GD. Two more victories should be enough to put Celtic in playoffs, Three could possibly put them in the top 8!
  Next day: Celtic end round in 15th in the table out of 36 on 7pts 0GD, same pts with 7 teams.
• Black Armbands worn due to the recent devastating floods in Valenica Spain which have led to a number of deaths RIP.
• Three of next four CL games inc this one at home, so vital spell for qualifying to playoffs.
• Leipzig’s assistant coach is Scotsman Cameron Campbell.
• Leipzig second in the Bundesliga, 3pts behind and only lost their first league game last weekend 2-1 v Dortmund who destroyed Celtic 7-1 a month ago. But they’ve had a terrible time up to this match in this comp with 3/3 defeats. So this for them is also a must win game.
• Ex-Celt Victor Wanyama at the game tonight as spectator. Does the half-time windfall draw. He was a goal scorer in our last incredible Champions League result (2-1 v Barca, 2012). Very warmly received by all.
• Popular “Man v Food” cult TV show presenter Adam Richman at the game today! He’s a big football fan.
• Report: Several EPL clubs inquired about Nicolas Kuhn after his excellent performances, valued at over €10m. (understatement). Must be valued far higher now after this game.
• Annual celebratory Mass at St Mary’s in the Calton on Wednesday, Nov 6th @7pm, to commemorate 137th anniversary of the club’s formation.
• Youth league: Celtic 3-2 Leipzig Victory for Celtic’s youngsters in the UEFA Youth League this afternoon.
• US President elections today, and as mostly expected Donald Trump’s Republicans to win.
• UEFA fine FAI (FA of Ireland) over booing of God Save The King
• Quincy Jones, music polymath who contributed to some of the biggest albums ever, died aged 91. RIP

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Summary

Pre match: With three of Celtic’s next four matches in the Champions League at home,  Cameron Carter-Vickers believes they will be defining, saying:
“If we can get something from the game on Tuesday (RB Leipzig), we’ll almost be there.”

“I always like coming here, I like the history of the club,”
Marco Rose (Leipzig manager)

“It’s not just the result but the manner of the performance”
BBC Radio Scotland post-match

“[RB Leipzig] were embarrrassed by a German no-name professional – who, of all people, was trained in RB’s youth team!… After his Champions League gala, Kuhn can even dream of playing for the national team…. He is no stranger to the DFB! He played for all the junior national teams from the U15 to the U20 until his career stalled. Now Kuhn is starting anew.”
Bild, Germany’s largest newspaper, in reference to Kuhn 

“That Celtic Park roar. Nothing like it in football.”
Balls.ie @ballsdotie

“Yeah, and not just any German team, it was my former club, it was even better. I enjoyed it a lot and after I talked to some of the guys from there, so it was really nice.”
Kuhn on defeating his former club, and scoring against them

joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki:
I get the feeling this match will be recalled in years to come on a par with some of the other celebrated major matches in our recent history. Leipzig may not necessarily rank alongside some other illustrious names, but at this time they were second in the Bundesliga with just a single defeat domestically, close to big guns Bayern Munich. After the trouncing by Dortmund, no one gave Celtic a real chance.
The game started equal enough but once Leipzig found their feet, their fast passing and pace did give Celtic problems and a struggle to regain possession. It was though a frustration to concede from a corner in an innocuous situation. From there Leipzig gained an upper hand, and almost scored from another corner kick and then a lapse by Trusty gave Leipzig another chance which thankfully the defence resolved.
The key man was Kuhn, he turned the game around. A sublime touch by Engles to Kuhn at the edge of the box gave Kuhn the opportunity to dribble around the defence before deftly curling the ball into the oppositon net to send the support into raptures. Then just before half-time, Maeda and others harried the right-backs to lose the ball, for Maeda with Taylor to slip the ball thru for Kuhn to grab a second, and the roof was blown off the stands.
The second half was mostly all Celtic, albeit Leipzig did have their chances. They ultimately gave up the ghost, and incredible cross field counter move led to a final goal for Hatate to captalise on a slip by their goalkeeper. A fourth goal did come but was offside for Maeda.
Maeda had another chance but despite a wonderful opportunity he skied it way over the bar after all the hard work to put him one one one v the keeper.
Across the board, the performances were exceptional, McGregor was peerless, whilst Hatate was reaching new levels. Kuhn was the starman and was crushing the negative feedback he had received from analysts prior to his arrival at Celtic. Add in some great saves from Schmeichel, and Kyogo harrying the opposition, it was a tough night for Leipzig.
It was the performance more than just the result. This is probably the finest performance by a Celtic side in the Champions League since the 2-1 win v Barcelona in 2012. For once, we could proudly stand tall to be an Champions League level side, and be on par with the best sides. For one day at least.
A proud day.

Journalist Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers · That is one of the greatest Celtic performances I have ever witnessed. This is the Champions League, the elite of Europe, against a team as good as RB Leipzig. What a performance and win at Celtic Park, urged on by a passionate support. Cel 3-1 RBL

Tom English @TEnglishSport ·  Joyous performance from Celtic. Fantastic blend of flair and fire (bonfire night themed tweet, this). Very classy. They look like a team that’s really grown up. Best single victory since Lazio five years ago. Top eight possible?

Chris Sutton @chris_sutton73 ·  One of the best displays I’ve seen from a Celtic team in the Champions League. A performance of real authority and class against a good Leipzig team. Trusty phenomenal again. Hatate, Kuhn, McGregor outstanding

E-Tims @ETimsNet ·  That was a statement win from Celtic. Modern, inventive, pass & move, attacking, non-stop energy, fight for everything, how yir maw fitba. If you get the chance watch back this full game in its entirety. Absolutely battered a top quality team after going a goal down.

Andrew H Smith @AndrewH_CelticU Ladies and gentlemen, we have ourselves a bona fide Champions League team. Celtic’s first win over team from a top five league in the competition in 12 years – after 26 such attempts – and first ever victory over a German side in the domain. A night for the ages.

Remy McSwain of KDS:
Absolutely fantastic apart from a wee ten minute spell when they scored and got a few corners but hung in and Kühn scored an absolute worldie. A peach. His pass to Maeda was outstanding and didn’t get the finish it deserved. A smart finish for the second after brilliant play by Hatate.

We totally dominated the second half though. Everyone stepped it up. Hatate was so good. The touch, control, strength, workrate and passing was just different level. The turn and through ball was reminiscent of watching Zidane at his best. He deserved his goal.

Most of the team were excellent but Kühn and Hatate were another level.

What a night. This is definitely our best team since 2003.

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Teams

Celtic:

Formation: 4 – 3 – 3

01 K. Schmeichel
03 G. Taylor, subbed for Álex Valle at 68mins
06 A. Trusty
20 C. Carter-Vickers, subbed for L. Scales at 74mins
02 A. Johnston
41 R. Hatate
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain
27 A. Engels, subbed for Paulo Bernardo at 68mins
38 D. Maeda
08 K. Furuhashi, subbed for A. Idah at 82mins
10 N. Kühn, subbed for Yang Hyun-Jun at 74mins

Subs:

49 J. Forrest
28 Paulo Bernardo
09 A. Idah
14 L. McCowan
17 M. Nawrocki
07 L. Palma
56 A. Ralston
05 L. Scales
12 V. Sinisalo
11 Álex Valle
57 S. Welsh
13 Yang Hyun-Jun

Goals:

• N. Kühn (35′, 45’+1)
• R. Hatate (72′)

Assists:

• A. Engels (35′),
• G. Taylor (45’+1)

RB Leipzig:

Formation: 4 – 4 – 2

01 P. Gulácsi
39 B. Henrichs
05 E. Bitshiabu
04 W. Orbán (c), Captain
03 L. Geertruida
07 A. Nusa, subbed for E. Elmas at 68mins
44 K. Kampl
08 A. Haidara, subbed for N. Seiwald at 76mins
14 C. Baumgartner, subbed for A. Ouédraogo at 76mins
11 L. Openda, subbed for André Silva at 82mins
30 B. Šeško 62′, Yellow Card at 62mins, subbed for Y. Poulsen at 68mins

Subs:

06 E. Elmas
47 V. Gebel
16 L. Klostermann
20 A. Ouédraogo
09 Y. Poulsen
13 N. Seiwald
19 André Silva
26 M. Vandevoordt
18 A. Vermeeren

Goals:

• C. Baumgartner (23′)

Venue: Celtic Park
Referee Benoît Bastien
Video Assistant Referee Benoît Millot
Assistant Referee 1 Hicham Zakrani
Assistant Referee 2 Aurelien Berthomieu
Fourth Official Thomas Leonard
Assistant VAR Official Maurizio Mariani
Att: 57,551

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Articles

• Match Report (see below)

Pictures

• Match Pictures

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Match Links

• Prior
• Match
• Post
• MoTM

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Stats

Overall Possession
Celtic 60.5% RB Leipzig 39.5%

Shots
Celtic 17 RB Leipzig 10

Shots on target
Celtic 5 RB Leipzig 3

Shots off target
Celtic 8 RB Leipzig 4

Blocked shots
Celtic 4 RB Leipzig 3

Total touches in the box
Celtic 25 RB Leipzig 15

Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 2 RB Leipzig 2

Aerial duels won
Celtic 10 RB Leipzig 8

Fouls
Celtic 7 RB Leipzig 13

Corners
Celtic 7 RB Leipzig 8

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Articles

Celtic reaction: Brendan Rodgers ranks result, plays down Champions League hype and one area Nicolas Kuhn can improve

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/celtic-reaction-brendan-rodgers-ranks-result-plays-down-champions-league-hype-and-one-area-nicolas-kuhn-can-improve-4854654
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor

Published 5th Nov 2024, 22:59 GMT

Manager hails duo but says humility needed in top table of European football
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admitted Celtic’s 3-1 Champions League win over RB Leipzig is one of his best results and performances over his two spells in charge of the club.

Nicolas Kuhn netted twice and Reo Hatate got on the scoresheet as Celtic recovered from conceding a 22nd-minute opener from Christoph Baumgartner to vanquish their Bundesliga opponents on an epic night at Parkhead. The result leaves Celtic on seven points at the midway stage of the competition, with Rodgers’ men handily placed to reach at least the play-off phase.

Rodgers took the acclaim of a partisan Celtic support at full time as the fans basked in the glory of famous European night. “I think in terms of the level of opponent, I would say it actually wasn’t just the result but the performance,” said Rodgers. “I think we played the game with a great charisma and confidence, how we want to play and show the courage in our pressing. They’ve only conceded five goals all season so to play to that level … we’ve had some really good results but that definitely would be the best one.

“I think we started the game with good confidence in the game. We then conceded the goal so we got rocked for a little bit and were a bit loose in our passing. But I think the maturity in the team to then recover that, to go the first goal, continue to play. Especially on the pressing side of the game and the aggressive side of the game, and I thought that we were absolutely outstanding in that.

“And I felt tonight we had that combination of the Bratislava vibrancy and excitement in their attack, and then the real tactical discipline in our defending [in Atalanta]. And I think we pulled those two together to produce an outstanding team performance against a really, really, really good side. So to have us do the three and have other opportunities to score, it was a tip of the hat to the players.”

Celtic face Club Brugge next at home on November 27 before a trip to Dinamo Zagreb on December 10. They then host Young Boys in January before concluding the league phase away at Aston Villa later that month. Despite the promising position, Rodgers did not want to get carried away about what his team could achieve in the Champions League.

“We have to stay humble,” continued Rodgers. “We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We played so well tonight. We sit in a really good place and we now just focus on our next game against Kilmarnock and obviously when Club Brugge comes, we’ll look to keep adding to our points and see where it takes us at the end of January.”

Kuhn rightly took the headlines with his two goals and general play – and Rodgers believes he has more scope for progress, while remarking that he wants to see more from the 24-year-old in one area.

“He’s still young so he still has more to go,” said Rodgers. “I thought his pressing could have been better tonight. He’s obviously got contribution efficiency but he’s just learning and developing all the time. We’ve seen his talent, bringing him to here was about making more goal contributions, being more robust and sustaining playing, but I thought it was really exciting tonight when he had the ball. Obviously the two goals are great for him having worked at Red Bull Leipzig before as a young player to score and make that contribution was nice for him.”

Midfielder Reo Hatate was also singled out special praise. “I thought he was brilliant,” added Rodgers on the Japanese. “I’ve got to say he was so good in the game and it all comes from his work rate. He was aggressive, he was getting inside the pressure and I think with Reo when he’s pushing and pressing like that then his football comes alive. I thought he was exceptional tonight.”

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Continental class from the champions

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/november/05/continental-class-from-the-champions/

Match Report

By Daylin Docherty

Share
05 Nov 2024, 9:54 pm

UEFA Champions League

Tuesday, November 5 2024

Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC…3

(Kuhn 35 & 48, Hatate 72)

RB LEIPZIG…1

(Baumgartner 23)

It was a famous European night to remember in Paradise as Celtic defeated RB Leipzig in what was a enthralling performance in Paradise by the Celts and in particular Nicolas Kuhn who lit up Celtic Park against his former club.

The Hoops burst out of the gates with intent, pressing high and creating early pressure. Reo Hatate’s incisive pass to Daizen Maeda set the tempo in the opening minute, with Arne Engels’ goal-bound shot blocked by the Leipzig defence, signalling Celtic’s ambitions.

RB Leipzig, struggling to match Celtic’s intensity, saw Kuhn nearly break the deadlock in the fifth minute, his teasing cross cleared by Willie Orban. The German visitors’ reprieve was brief, as Kuhn’s relentless involvement continued to trouble their rearguard.

Despite Celtic’s strong start, Leipzig threatened on the break, with Benjamin Sesko forcing a deflection for a corner in the 18th minute. A misplaced pass from Auston Trusty in the 22nd minute allowed Antonio Nusa to feed Lois Openda, but Kasper Schmeichel—celebrating his 38th birthday—produced a vital save, tipping the ball away.

The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when Leipzig capitalised on a corner. Kevin Kampl’s delivery was inadvertently flicked on by Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Christoph Baumgartner pounced, heading home to silence Celtic Park.

Celtic responded with resilience. In the 35th minute, Kuhn announced himself with a moment of brilliance. Receiving the ball from Engels, he weaved past his marker and curled an exquisite shot past Peter Gulacsi, off the post and in. The roar of Paradise was deafening as the former Leipzig man netted his eighth of the season.

Minutes later, Maeda had the chance to turn the game on its head following an outside-of-the-boot pass from Kuhn, but his shot flew over, leaving Celtic fans with heads in hands. Reo Hatate’s clever ball to Alistair Johnston just before half-time nearly gave the hosts the lead, but Gulacsi comfortably saved Johnston’s weaker left-footed effort.

Celtic’s relentless pressing bore fruit almost instantly. Kuhn struck again injury time after Taylor’s last ditch cross fell to him in the box. Kuhn’s composed finish sent Celtic Park into rapture and put the Hoops ahead 2-1. It was a masterclass in pressing from Brendan Rodgers’ side.
60%

Possession
40%
17

Shots
10
5

Shots On Target
3
7

Corners
8
7

Fouls
13

0

0

Cards

1

0

Celtic continued to push in the second half, with Callum McGregor leading by example. The captain surged forward in the 50th minute, skipping past three defenders before setting up Kuhn, who narrowly missed the target, trying to complete his hat-trick.

Leipzig, searching for an equaliser, were denied multiple times by Schmeichel. The Danish veteran pulled off a crucial save in the 64th minute, diving to his right to deny Sesko. Moments later, Christoph Baumgartner was again thwarted by Schmeichel’s sharp reflexes in the 71st minute.

Celtic’s persistence paid off in the 72nd minute. Kuhn and Johnston combined seamlessly on the right, with Johnston’s cross spilling from Gulacsi’s grasp. Hatate, ever-alert, slammed the rebound into the roof of the net, sealing a 3-1 lead and sending Paradise into jubilation.

The Hoops had the ball in the net in injury time when Maeda tapped the ball home but the linesman had his flag up on the far-side to deny Celtic their fourth.

The Hoops saw it out a famous victory in Paradise that puts them in an excellent position after matchday four in the UEFA Champions League. It’s the first time since 2007 that Celtic have won three home games in the Champions League in-a-row. After such a performance, excitement will build towards the visit of Club Brugge in three weeks’ time.

Celtic: Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston, Carter-Vickers (Scales 74′), Trusty, Taylor (Valle 68′), Engels (Paulo Bernardo 68′), McGregor, Hatate, Kühn (Hyunjun Yang 74′), Kyogo (Idah 82′), Maeda

Subs: Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Sinisalo, Hyunjun Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Paulo Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh

Leipzig: Gulácsi, Geertruida ( 84′), Orbán, Bitshiabu, Henrichs, Baumgartner (Ouédraogo 76′), Haidara (Seiwald 76′), Kampl, Nusa (Elmas 68′), Sesko (Poulsen 68′), Openda (André Silva 82′)

Subs: Elmas, Poulsen, Seiwald, Klostermann, Vermeeren, André Silva, Ouédraogo, Vandevoordt, Gebel

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Why Celtic’s Champions League hope is turning to expectation – and the star is catching many eyes

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/why-celtics-champions-league-hope-is-turning-to-expectation-and-the-star-is-catching-many-eyes-4854644
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson

Sports Editor

Comments
Published 5th Nov 2024, 22:20 GMT
Updated 5th Nov 2024, 23:03 GMT
Rodgers’ side put on a European show to stand on cusp on play-offs at least

Celtic can dare to dream now. Progression in the Champions League is a distinct possibility after an outstanding 3-1 win over RB Leipzig.

On an intoxicating night at Celtic Park, Brendan Rodgers’ men put on a show. Their credentials questioned only two gameweeks ago when they were thumped 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund last month, they slayed their next German foe here in some style.

Leipzig are second in the Bundesliga and a very proficient side. But Celtic are building momentum in this competition. Their 0-0 draw at Atalanta last time out was the perfect disciplined, defensive performance – but this display was all about speed and skill.

Nicolas Kuhn scored twice for Celtic.
Nicolas Kuhn scored twice for Celtic. | SNS Group

With not a piece of pyro in the house, the Celtic fans lit a fire underneath their team with a fervent atmosphere. The players responded, not least Nicolas Kuhn, the jet-heeled wide forward who is fast becoming their most dangerous player. The former Leipzig youth player scored twice, taking his tally to nine for the season.

Kuhn’s start to his Celtic career was a slow burner but the 24-year-old German has ignited now. There were reports on the eve of this match that the £3 million January signing from Rapid Vienna is attracting interest from clubs down south. This performance will have caught the eye. Manager Brendan Rodgers should be comforted by his contract until 2029.

This was a statement win on the continent for Rodgers. He admitted as much afterwards. Rodgers has presided over some sore defeats in Europe across his two spells as manager but deserves immense credit for rebuilding the team after the shattering suffered in Dortmund. Now on seven points midway through the league phase and with matches to come against Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys and Aston Villa, one more victory should be enough to secure a top-24 spot and a play-off tie.

Maybe the target should be recalibrated. A top-eight finish would allow automatic progression to the last 16. Ending the night sitting 13th out of the 36 teams, it is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Brendan Rodgers got his selection and tactics spot-on.
Brendan Rodgers got his selection and tactics spot-on. | SNS Group

Leipzig arrived in Glasgow on the back of three defeats, albeit to top teams in Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool. They knew a win was required to kick-start their own campaign and played an offensive 4-2-2-2 formation. This played into Celtic’s hands, as their midfield three were able to find space in between the lines. Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate all shone, although the latter got on the scoresheet and was a lively presence throughout.

Rodgers got his tactics and team selection bang on the money. Auston Trusty was preferred to Liam Scales alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in the centre of defence and was largely impressive. Greg Taylor was restored to left-back and got an assist. The Northern Irishman can afford himself a big pat on the back.

Celtic recovered admirably from the concession of the opener on 22 minutes. Trusty’s slack pass to McGregor set off an unfortunate chain of events. The Germans seized upon the ball and worked it out to Lois Openda, whose trundling effort appeared to be going wide before Kasper Schmeichel parried it just to be sure. Kevin Kampl’s first corner was cleared by Engels, but his second vicious delivery made its way to back post via a flick from Carter-Vickers and Christoph Baumgartner headed home from close range.

Leipzig will rue Antonio Nusa slashing wildly over the bar in the ten-minute period that came after the goal, when Celtic were at their most vulnerable, because the hosts drew level on 34 minutes. Engels fed Kuhn on the right wing and the winger drove inside on to his left foot and curled a sumptuous effort beyond Peter Gulacsi via the post. It was a goal that belonged on the top stage.

Kuhn impressed well before his goal with his pace, movement and close control. Buoyed by his wonderful strike, he clipped a beautiful ball through to Daizen Maeda, but the Japanese skied from a promising position. But in stoppage time, Celtic nabbed the ball off Leipzig in the press and Hatate played in Taylor down the left. His cutback ought to have been converted by Maeda but Kuhn had ghosted into the penalty box unchecked and he netted from close range.

Reo Hatate celebrates Celtic’s third goal.
Reo Hatate celebrates Celtic’s third goal. | SNS Group

Leipzig pressed for a leveller after the restart and Baumgartner thought he had it on 71 minutes with a left-footed volley that drew a really sharp save from Schmeichel down to his right. The Leipzig captain wailed in frustration at the miss. Celtic took their reprieve and then crushed German spirits. Two minutes later, Gulacsi spilled Johnston’s cross and Hatate pounced to send the ball high into the net. It was the clincher.

Club Brugge are next up on November 27. Celtic will be warm favourites at home. Win that and hope will be replaced by expectation.

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Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig: Nicolas Kuhn nets double as Hoops come from behind to secure Champions League win

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/13248425/celtic-3-1-rb-leipzig-nicolas-kuhn-nets-double-as-hoops-come-from-behind-to-secure-champions-league-win
Report as Celtic beat RB Leipzig 3-1; Christoph Baumgartner headed in for the visitors; Nicolas Kuhn scored twice for the Hoops before the break; Reo Hatate scored the third; the Hoops have won back-to-back home games in the Champions League; RB Leipzig are without a point
Alison Conroy

Digital Sports Journalist @AlisonGConroy

Tuesday 5 November 2024 22:51, UK
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn celebrates scoring to make it 2-1 during a UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, on November 05, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)
Image: Nicolas Kuhn’s first-half double secured Celtic’s win against RB Leipzig

Nicolas Kuhn scored an impressive double as Celtic secured back-to-back home wins in this season’s Champions League with a convincing 3-1 win against RB Leipzig.

The Hoops again proved their dismal showing in Dortmund was a one-off as they took belief from their draw against Atalanta last time out to stun the side sitting second in the Bundesliga.

Christophe Baumgartner headed the visitors in front but Kuhn curled a stunning shot in off the post and smashed Greg Taylor’s cross into the net before the break.

Parkhead was rocking and Reo Hatate put the game out of reach as he slammed the ball in after Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi made a mess of Alistair Johnston’s cross.

Daizen Maeda had the ball in the net in stoppage time but the offside flag was up.

Celtic now have seven points from four games with four games remaining, while RB Leipzig are yet to get off the mark in the competition.
Champions League progression remains within Celtic’s reach
Image: Kuhn scored twice for Celtic in the first half

Kuhn came through the Leipzig youth ranks before arriving in Glasgow in January following spells in the B teams of Ajax and Bayern Munich and at Rapid Vienna, and nobody would have enjoyed Celtic’s redemption against German opposition more than him.

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The home side looked assured in possession and pressed their visitors well in the opening stages. Arne Engels had a shot blocked after Maeda got in behind and Kuhn drifted past his marker to put a dangerous ball across the face of goal.

The complexion of the game completely turned when Benjamin Sesko curled just wide with the aid of a deflection. Any goal might have been disallowed for what looked a foul on Auston Trusty in the centre circle but Celtic suddenly struggled to get out of their half or retain possession.
Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner scores to make it 1-0 vs Celtic
Image: Leipzig’s Christoph Baumgartner scores to make it 1-0

Kasper Schmeichel pushed Lois Openda’s shot wide after Trusty had gifted Leipzig possession and the visitors took the lead from Kevin Kampl’s corner midway through the half. Cameron Carter-Vickers’ flick inadvertently set up Baumgartner, who dived to head home from close range.

Kuhn was the catalyst for the game to turn on its head again. The former Germany youth international was involved in some good play down the right just before receiving Engels’ flick, cutting inside and clipping an inch-perfect shot in off the post from 20 yards in the 35th minute.
Team news:

Greg Taylor replaced Alex Valle for Celtic
RB Leipzig made two changes with El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Kevin Kampl starting in Glasgow

Kuhn soon won the ball back deep in own half and was at the centre of some good possession play before cutting the Leipzig defence open with a wonderful pass with the outside of his foot. Maeda could not keep his shot down from the edge of the box.

Celtic kept the pressure on. Johnston had a shot saved before Kyogo Furuhashi beat two men and angled a goal-bound shot which was diverted wide by Orban’s sliding block.

Kuhn doubled his tally in stoppage time when he slotted home after Greg Taylor had helped Hatate’s pass across the six-yard line.
Celtic’s Reo Hatate celebrates scoring to make it 3-1
Image: Celtic’s Reo Hatate celebrates scoring to make it 3-1

The wide player had a half-chance for a hat-trick within four minutes of the restart following Callum McGregor’s dynamic break but he skied his shot.

Hatate came close from 20 yards before Leipzig had some pressure and Schmeichel made a good diving save from Sesko following a long ball.

Celtic soon rediscovered their verve. Hatate forced a diving stop after brilliant wing play from Kuhn and several balls fizzed across the Leipzig box.

Schmeichel produced an excellent stop from Baumgartner’s volley but Celtic were soon back on the attack and Hatate was on hand to net from three yards in the 72nd minute when Gulacsi spilled Johnston’s low cross.

‘Outstanding’

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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with Reo Hatate at full time during a UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Celtic and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park, on November 05, 2024, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers hailed his players after their impressive 3-1 win against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers:

“I think we started the game with a real good confidence. We then conceded the goal, so we got rocked for a little bit and we were a bit loose on our passing, but I think the maturity in the team to then recover from that, score the first goal and continue to play.

“I’m always demanding, especially on the pressing side of the game and the aggressive side of the game, I thought that we were absolutely outstanding in that.

“I felt tonight we had that combination of the vibrancy and excitement in attack from the Bratislava game and then the real tactical discipline in our defending from Atalanta.

“I think we pulled those two together to produce an outstanding team performance against a really, really, really good side, who have only conceded five goals all season.

“So to score three and have other opportunities to score, I tip my hat to the players.”

---

BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cj4vnk5zlxjt#Report

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

The outstanding Nicolas Kuhn inspired Celtic as they came from behind against Germany’s RB Leipzig to earn an exhilarating third Champions League victory in a row at an exuberant Celtic Park.

Following their six-goal League Cup thrashing of Aberdeen on Saturday, and a hard-fought point away to Atalanta in the previous matchday, hopes were high for this game despite Leipzig’s status as top seeds.

Celtic lived up to expectations with a blistering start, but Leipzig – who are still searching for their first point in the competition – punctured their positivity with Christoph Baumgartner’s neat nod from a corner.

Celtic had lost in 27 of the 28 previous Champions League games in which they had gone behind, but they picked themselves up here.

Continuing his exceptional start to the season – 17 goal contributions in 15 games before this – Kuhn cut in from the right and curled an audacious strike in off a post.

The stadium was still bouncing when German winger Kuhn stroked in from just outside the six-yard box after Daizen Maeda’s fresh air swipe allowed Greg Taylor’s cut back to reach him just before the break.

Brendan Rodgers’ side maintained their high levels after the break and were rewarded when the brilliant Reo Hatate lashed in a third and ensured Celtic’s second victory of this campaign.

Rodgers hails ‘charismatic and courageous’ Celtic
Published
14 minutes ago

More reaction & have your say on Celtic

Podcast: ‘Celtic, player for player, are better than Leipzig’
Attribution

Sounds

Celtic give Leipzig a lesson

When Celtic last met a German side in the Champions League on the back of a 6-0 domestic win, they were dismantled in Dortmund earlier in this campaign.

Though that was only just over a month ago, the Scottish champions appear to have taken their medicine and were much more streetwise in familiar surroundings.

Sprinting out the blocks, they did not allow their visitors to breathe at the back and swarmed in their numbers at every opportunity.

Key to that was Kuhn. The RB Leipzig academy product taught the German side a lesson with a sensational display. Playing with freedom and flair, the 24-year-old was, once again, tremendous on the right.

In truth, Celtic as a team taught Leipzig – a side sitting second in the Bundesliga – a lesson. They repeatedly asked questions and their visitors had no answers.

When Kuhn did depart to a rapturous round of applause, Hatate took over as the talisman of this tremendous side.

It’s been a long, long wait for three home wins in a row for Celtic in this competition. A 17-year wait. Through that spell, the tales of the fortress this cauldron used to be seemed a distant memory.

This brought them back to light. The Feyenoord win last season was a dead rubber; the Slovan Bratislava victory earlier this term was expected; but this was a statement. And a convincing one at that.
Media caption,

‘My best European victory’ – Rodgers
Leipzig lack in every department

The messages coming from the German media were this was a must-win for Leipzig.

They were dealt a daunting start to this new format, with games against Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool, so a trip to Scotland was viewed as the kick-starter.

But Marco Rose’s side never got going. They looked spooked at Celtic’s high press.

While they’ve struggled in the Champions League, this is a team at the top end of the Bundesliga, albeit 15 points behind leaders Bayern.

This was evidence of why. Leipzig couldn’t contain a quick, fit and sharp Celtic. They lacked in every department.

Benjamin Sesko has been the saviour so often for them, but was nowhere to be seen here.

He and his pals will need to show up if the top-seeded Germans are to sneak through, but with Inter Milan, Sporting and Aston Villa waiting it’s an uphill task.
Match stats
Celtic graphicImage source, SNS

Celtic have won three consecutive Champions League home games for the first time since November 2007, under Gordon Strachan.

RB Leipzig are the first German side to lose their first four Champions League games in a single campaign since VfB Stuttgart in 2007-08.

Nicolas Kuhn became the first Celtic player to score two goals in the first half of a Champions League/European Cup match since Roy Aitken in October 1979, against Partizana Tirana.

Celtic last netted more goals (currently nine this term) in a Champions League/European Cup campaign in 1977-78 (13).

Kuhn has been directly involved in 19 goals (nine goals, 10 assists) for Celtic in all competitions this season – at least seven more than any of his team-mates.

The 38-year-old Kasper Schmeichel became the joint-oldest player to play in a Champions League match on his birthday, along with David Seaman for Arsenal against Schalke in September 2001.

Live Reporting

Nick McPheat

Who needs fireworks?published at 22:51 Greenwich Mean Time
22:51 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park
Celtic celebrateImage source, SNS
Celtic celebrateImage source, SNS
Celtic fans celebrateImage source, SNS

What a night at Celtic Park. A brilliant and significant win for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Maybe, given the opposition, their best showing in Europe for a long while.

Celtic Park was electric, who needs fireworks? A night to remember for Celtic players and supporters.
For more Celtic news, views and analysis, visit our dedicated BBC Sport page

Postpublished at 22:47 Greenwich Mean Time
22:47 GMT
Nicolas KuhnImage source, SNS

Nicolas Kuhn became the first Celtic player to score two goals in the first half of a Champions League/European Cup match since Roy Aitken in October 1979, against Partizana Tirana.

The German winger has been directly involved in 19 goals (nine goals, 10 assists) for Celtic in all competitions this season, at least seven more than any of his teammates.
Postpublished at 22:42 Greenwich Mean Time
22:42 GMT

Celtic’s seven points (W2 D1 L1) is already their most in a Champions League campaign since 2012-13 (10), while they last netted more goals (currently nine in 2024-25) in a Champions League/European Cup campaign in 1977-78 (13).
My best European result, confirms Rodgerspublished at 22:40 Greenwich Mean Time
22:40 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig
Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS

When asked if this his the most significant European result as a manager, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers responds: “Yeah, I think so in level of opponent.

“It wasn’t just the result, it was the performance. We played the game with great charisma and confidence and showed the courage in our pressing.

“To play to that level, that would definitely be the best one.”
‘Fans stayed and trusted the team’published at 22:38 Greenwich Mean Time
22:38 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “The supporters were great with how they stayed with the team, they trusted what they were seeing.

“We have to build step by step to make this a difficult place to be. RB Leipzig are a top side, they will say that was a real difficult game for them tonight.

“We have to stay humble in our work, we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. We played so well tonight, we sit in a really good place, we now just focus on our next game and see where it takes us.”
‘It’s a great next step’published at 22:36 Greenwich Mean Time
22:36 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “It gives us real, nice confidence. We’ve discovered in the last two games we can be really competitive.

“If you told us after the Dortmund game we’d have four points from the next two games, I don’t think too many people would have said we would have done that.

“It’s a great next step and gives us great encouragement to go and make the play-off stage, but there is still so much to do.”
Rodgers hails Kuhn’s ‘real courage’published at 22:33 Greenwich Mean Time
22:33 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Nicolas Kuhn: “His second goal really pleased me because you need to play with real courage to press against a side who have so much speed.

“We really stayed on it, win the ball back high up the pitch, Reo [Hatate] produces a great piece of skill, then we get a cross into the box, get those wingers coming in, it was a really nice way to finish the half.

“Some of our football second half was outstanding. Controlling and managing the game really well, our win was really deserved.”
Rodgers hugs KuhnImage source, SNS
‘Outstanding team performance’published at 22:31 Greenwich Mean Time
22:31 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: “We had the combination of the vibrancy and excitement in attack from the Bratislava game and then the real tactical discipline in our defending from Atalanta.

“And we really pulled that together to produce an outstanding team performance against a really, really good sides.

“I tip my hat to the players.”
Postpublished at 22:28 Greenwich Mean Time
22:28 GMT
Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS

Manager Brendan Rodgers has taken his seat at his press conference and is now taking questions from the media.

You can listen live on Sportsound.

We’ll have quotes from the Celtic boss right here in a bit…
Postpublished at 22:25 Greenwich Mean Time
22:25 GMT
Celtic celebrateImage source, SNS

Across nine games in the Bundesliga this season, Leipzig have conceded just five goals.

Tonight alone, Celtic scored three against them.
‘Celtic stuck with it’published at 22:23 Greenwich Mean Time
22:23 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

Celtic stuck with it, with how they want to play. They’ve gained so much control within that.

They were always going to be put under pressure, especially defensively with set plays.

They rode it out and did it their way. They’ve not changed and kept their belief.
Postpublished at 22:20 Greenwich Mean Time
22:20 GMT

Celtic have won three consecutive Champions League home games for the first time since November 2007, under Gordan Strachan.
‘What dreams are made of’ – Kuhnpublished at 22:18 Greenwich Mean Time
22:18 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

On his first goal, Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn tells TNT Sports: “Of course it’s a shot! I went into one of my dribbles, saw the shot and decided to shoot.

“It’s what dreams are made of, even better to score against my old club.

“At home everything is possible with our fans as we showed it today.”
Kuhn touch map
Image caption,

Celtic winger Kuhn registered 50 touches across the evening
‘Outstanding’published at 22:14 Greenwich Mean Time
22:14 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

It was outstanding. Celtic had a spell in the first half where in the past, they might not have been able to stand up to the challenge and pressure from RB Leipzig or whoever else.

They came through that, totally dominated the second half.

If you give the fans something to cheer, this place is unbelievable.
‘McGregor extraordinary’published at 22:11 Greenwich Mean Time
22:11 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

Give Kuhn his moment, but give every player their moment. They were all eights and nines tonight.

Nine-and-a-half from McGregor, he was extraordinary.

Celtic are a better team than RB Leipzig. It’s not a one-off, or a bit of luck. Celtic, player for player, are better than RB Leipzig.

I’m not mildly surprised by this.
Magic McGregorpublished at 22:07 Greenwich Mean Time
22:07 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

On Joe Hart’s assessment that Callum McGregor “ran the show” at Celtic Park, the captain misplaced just three of his 80 passes.
McGregor pass map
‘Really, really, really great’published at 22:05 Greenwich Mean Time
22:05 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

It was a really, really, really great European performance tonight.

The quality they showed throughout the game, Callum McGregor ran the show while Nicolas Kuhn sparkled.
‘A joy to watch’published at 22:01 Greenwich Mean Time
22:01 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Neil Lennon
Former Celtic manager on TNT Sports

This was one of the best home performances from a Celtic side since Martin O’Neill’s days.

A joy to watch.
FT: Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
‘A historic night’published at 21:59 Greenwich Mean Time
21:59 GMT

FT: Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Tom English
BBC Scotland’s chief sports writer on Sportsound

Immense, it’s Celtic’s best victory in any competition since they beat Lazio in Rome five years ago.

Their best in the Champions League since beating Barcelona 12 years ago. We’re talking about a fairly historic night.

They look like they’ve grown up as a Champions League team.
FULL-TIMEpublished at 21:56 Greenwich Mean Time
21:56 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

A sensational result and performance from Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.

After going one down, a Nicolas Kuhn double and Reo Hatate’s finish after the break sinks RB Leipzig.
Hatate celebrates his first and Celtic’s third
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LIVE stream page 2

DISALLOWED GOALpublished at 21:56 Greenwich Mean Time
21:56 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Reo Hatate, is he shooting or passing? Either way, it hits off Daizen Maeda and goes in.

But striker is offside.

Postpublished at 21:54 Greenwich Mean Time
21:54 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Still two minutes of added time to play and Celtic are hungry for more.

Brendan Rodgers does a bit of cheerleading and the crowd go wild again.
Postpublished at 21:52 Greenwich Mean Time
21:52 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

The ball breaks perfectly for Reo Hatate to net his second and Celtic’s fourth.

But he gets it all wrong and it almost goes out for throw.

He can afford a smile…
Postpublished at 21:50 Greenwich Mean Time
21:50 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Five minutes added at Celtic Park.
Postpublished at 21:49 Greenwich Mean Time
21:49 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig
BBC live text

Ha, mind this?

Three goals and 82 minutes later…
‘Celtic subs don’t weaken side’published at 21:47 Greenwich Mean Time
21:47 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

Celtic are bringing on subs now that are not weakening the side, they’re just adding to what’s already there.

What normally happens is Kyogo does an endless amount of running, barely gets a chance, then Idah comes on and gets a chance with his first touch.
Postpublished at 21:46 Greenwich Mean Time
21:46 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

More lovely Celtic play as Adam Idah pops one off to Yang, who lashes one wide from the edge of the box.
Postpublished at 21:45 Greenwich Mean Time
21:45 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic have now scored their joint most goals in a Champions League campaign (nine – level with 2012-13) and their most at Celtic Park (eight) in a European Cup/Champions League season since 1979-80.

Prolific.
Postpublished at 21:44 Greenwich Mean Time
21:44 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

At half time, Tom English said a win would be Brendan Rodgers’ best result in Europe.

He’s closing in on that.
Postpublished at 21:42 Greenwich Mean Time
21:42 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

No goals for Kyogo tonight, but what a shift he’s put in. Such a key cog in this team.

His night is over and Adam Idah replaces the Celtic striker.
Postpublished at 21:40 Greenwich Mean Time
21:40 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

That’s sensational from Celtic.

A fourth goal is almost made by the Japan trio as Reo Hatate sends Kyogo clear and he tries to pick out Daizen Maeda, but it’s cleared behind.

Eighty on the clock.
Party time for Celtic fanspublished at 21:38 Greenwich Mean Time
21:38 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

The Celtic fans are loving this as they belt out “we’re having a party in the Champions League”.

They are being thoroughly entertained tonight. Fifteen minutes plus injury time left – game management now key for Celtic.
Postpublished at 21:37 Greenwich Mean Time
21:37 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Brendan Rodgers brings off Nicolas Kuhn and Cameron Carter-Vickers, who get huge ovations.

Liam Scales and Yang are on.
‘Timing’s everything’published at 21:35 Greenwich Mean Time
21:35 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

The timing of the runs, the timing of the passes, the weight of the passes – that’s what makes that opportunity.
Postpublished at 21:34 Greenwich Mean Time
21:34 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Reo Hatate cannot believe his luck!
Celtic 3-1 RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
‘Don’t forget McGregor’published at 21:34 Greenwich Mean Time
21:34 GMT

Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

Callum McGregor in the midfield there, holding the ball, dragging players with him, making this gigantic space in the midfield.

When good players have good space, they make good use of it.

I would say this is deserved.
goal
GOAL! Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzigpublished at 21:32 Greenwich Mean Time
21:32 GMT

Reo Hatate

And. It’s. Three!

Reo Hatate, boy does that guy deserve a goal and he gets it.

Leipzig keeper Peter Gulacsi makes a mess of Alistair Johnston’s cross and the Japan midfielder accepts the gift.

What a night this is turning out to be for Celtic.
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 21:31 Greenwich Mean Time
21:31 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

This Celtic Park crowd is really up for this.
Postpublished at 21:31 Greenwich Mean Time
21:31 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Another neat stop from Kasper Schmeichel, who gets down to his left to deny Christoph Baumgartner.

Guess who’s there to clear the corner with his heid again? Kyogo!
Postpublished at 21:30 Greenwich Mean Time
21:30 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Every time I look up Nicolas Kuhn is racing down the right.

He’s been ridiculously good.

LIVE stream page 3

Postpublished at 21:30 Greenwich Mean Time
21:30 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

A good night’s work is over for Arne Engels and Greg Taylor.

Paulo Bernardo and Alex Valle are on.

Double switch for Leipzig as well as Benjamin Sesko and Antonio Nusa make way for Yussuf Poulsen and Eljif Elmas.

‘Are you not entertained?’published at 21:29 Greenwich Mean Time
21:29 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig
Celtic manager Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
‘Magnificent passing’published at 21:28 Greenwich Mean Time
21:28 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

That all came from Celtic playing out from the back about three minutes ago.

The passing has been magnificent. Celtic have got themselves back on the front foot in this second half and no wonder Leipzig are making a couple of changes.
Postpublished at 21:27 Greenwich Mean Time
21:27 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

From the resulting corner, Auston Trusty meets it at close range but his side-foot attempt is blocked.

Kyogo then skies over after another neat move.

Celtic Park is rocking again.
GREAT SAVE!published at 21:26 Greenwich Mean Time
21:26 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Up the other end Reo Hatate forces Peter Gulacsi down after a driving Nicolas Kuhn finds him on the edge of the box.

Postpublished at 21:25 Greenwich Mean Time
21:25 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Good save from Kasper Schmeichel, who gets across his goal to deny Benjamin Sesko.

Sixty-five on the clock at Celtic Park. A long way to go yet.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 21:22 Greenwich Mean Time
21:22 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Benjamin Sesko is into the book for a push on Arne Engels as the Celtic man was driving through the heart of midfield.
Postpublished at 21:21 Greenwich Mean Time
21:21 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic continue to give away these wee daft fouls.

Leipzig get another chance to deliver, it’s a good ball from Kevin Kampl but up goes the flag.
Celtic 2-1 RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 21:20 Greenwich Mean Time
21:20 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Benjamin Henrichs is back on his feet and he’s back on to take his position at full-back.
Postpublished at 21:19 Greenwich Mean Time
21:19 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Benjamin Henrichs is in serious pain after making a challenge on Nicolas Kuhn.

There will be a break as the Leipzig defender receives treatment.
‘Celtic can’t encourage Leipzig’published at 21:18 Greenwich Mean Time
21:18 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

It’s a couple of crosses now clearly targeting the back post area, behind Auston Trusty.

They can’t be giving any encouragement to RB Leipzig. Celtic have played so well but they don’t want to give Leipzig any easy opportunities.
Postpublished at 21:17 Greenwich Mean Time
21:17 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Kevin Kampl puts it in but the referee blows for a foul.

Celtic can breathe again.
Postpublished at 21:15 Greenwich Mean Time
21:15 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Huge header from Auston Trusty gets the ball away from the back-post area.

In it comes again and Reo Hatate heads behind. Corner.
‘Lovely feet’published at 21:14 Greenwich Mean Time
21:14 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Beautiful footwork from Reo Hatate.

It’s so dangerous to let him have that room on the edge of the box.
CLOSE!published at 21:14 Greenwich Mean Time
21:14 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

A big section of the Celtic Park crowd think that’s three.

Reo Hatate lets fly from 20 yards and hits the outside of the near-post netting.

He should probably have a corner.
Postpublished at 21:12 Greenwich Mean Time
21:12 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Another deep free-kick comes into the Celtic box and a Leipzig head meets it.

It’s easy enough for Kasper Schmeichel.
Postpublished at 21:12 Greenwich Mean Time
21:12 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Leipzig are enjoying a lot of the ball early in the half and are winning fouls.

Celtic need to be wary.
Postpublished at 21:09 Greenwich Mean Time
21:09 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Callum McGregor drives past three Leipzig players and sets up Nicolas Kuhn for a potential hat-trick.

The winger fires way over. Some run from McGregor though.
Postpublished at 21:07 Greenwich Mean Time
21:07 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Antonio Nusa bends one to the back post and Kasper Schmeichel punches clear.

Brave goalkeeping.
KICK-OFFpublished at 21:05 Greenwich Mean Time
21:05 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Away we go again.

If we get anything like the first half, we’re in for another fun 45 minutes.

Remember this?published at 21:03 Greenwich Mean Time
21:03 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Christoph Baumgartner put Leipzig ahead at Celtic Park, but a lot has happened since then.
Christoph Baumgartner at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS
Christoph Baumgartner scores at Celtic ParkImage source, SNS

Kuhn star of the showpublished at 21:01 Greenwich Mean Time
21:01 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

The noise from the home fans as the Celtic players left the pitch for half time was deafening.

Nicholas Kuhn has been the star of the show with his two goals, but what a phenomenal team effort from all 11 players out there.

They battled back after RB Leipzig took the lead and looked a bit spooked.

Bring on the second half!
🔥published at 20:58 Greenwich Mean Time
20:58 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Scott Brown
Former Celtic captain on TNT Sports

If I’m a Celtic player, I’m giving Nicolas Kuhn the ball.

He’s on flames today.
‘Everything Celtic want to be’published at 20:55 Greenwich Mean Time
20:55 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

It’s another outstanding goal. Celtic put the pressure on, win it back. It comes to Hatate outside the box, but he plays a perfect pass for Taylor to cut it back.

We gave the big build-up to Kuhn, and he’s in the right spot at the right time to slot it away.

It’s such a good goal from Celtic’s point of view. It’s everything they want to be – a team that presses, a team that hurts you with intricate passes.
Celtic v LeipzigImage source, SNS
‘World class pressing’published at 20:52 Greenwich Mean Time
20:52 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

If you want to know how to do closing down high up the pitch, get a video of that.

You don’t do it any better than that. That’s world class.
Maeda assist?published at 20:50 Greenwich Mean Time
20:50 GMT

HT: Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Maeda can claim a dummy, but that was a shot!
HALF-TIMEpublished at 20:49 Greenwich Mean Time
20:49 GMT

Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzig

Well, that was lively.

A Nicolas Kuhn double sends Celtic into the interval ahead.
goal
GOAL! Celtic 2-1 RB Leipzigpublished at 20:47 Greenwich Mean Time
20:47 GMT

Nicolas Kuhn

He’s done it again!

Celtic have turned it around just before the break as Nicolas Kuhn smashes in from close range.

A sliding Greg Taylor pulled the ball across goal before Daizen Maeda’s attempted effort helped it on.

Celtic Park has erupted.
Celtic goal
Postpublished at 20:47 Greenwich Mean Time
20:47 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Here come the hosts again as Kyogo gets in off the shoulder and has a goal-bound effort from close range blocked behind for a corner, which comes to nothing in the end.
Postpublished at 20:46 Greenwich Mean Time
20:46 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Lovely stuff from Celtic again as Reo Hatate zings one into Alistair Johnston.

The right-back gets a shot away at the edge of the box, it’s tame and easy enough for the keeper.
Postpublished at 20:44 Greenwich Mean Time
20:44 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

That Celtic leveller was their first shot on target – and their first since the opening 45 seconds when Arne Engels had an effort blocked.

Talk about making your moments count…
Postpublished at 20:43 Greenwich Mean Time
20:43 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Wee Kyogo gets up so high to power away a RB Leipzig corner.

The visitors keep aiming for that near-post area.
Exquisite finishpublished at 20:43 Greenwich Mean Time
20:43 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

Nicholas Khun would have enjoyed that one given his early links to RB Leipzig.

What a hit from the German. That’s exactly what Celtic needed. Quite the game on our hands here!
‘Such good football’published at 20:41 Greenwich Mean Time
20:41 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Nicolas Kuhn is gliding around Celtic Park tonight.

It’s such good football from Celtic.
CLOSE!published at 20:41 Greenwich Mean Time
20:41 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Oh my goodness, that is outrageous from Nicolas Kuhn!

A stunning outside-of-the-boot pass from just over halfway sets Daizen Maeda free.

He’s got to hit the target but blasts over. That pass deserved a goal.
‘No chance for keeper’published at 20:40 Greenwich Mean Time
20:40 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzing

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

The cheek of the goalkeeper to even dive for that. He didn’t get within three feet of it.
‘Stunning’published at 20:39 Greenwich Mean Time
20:39 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound

What a stunning goal it is. The individual brilliance of Nicolas Kuhn to come in and clip it to the back post.

The touch from Arne Engels to set him free, outside of the boot, not even looking.

It’s a little chip to the back post, no power on it at all. I still can’t believe how nonchalant it was.
Nicolas Kuhn celebrates against RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 20:39 Greenwich Mean Time
20:39 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

I can understand why some might think that’s a cross, given the weight of the strike – it looked so unusual.

But I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt!
‘Cross or shot?’published at 20:38 Greenwich Mean Time
20:38 GMT

Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

A cross or a shot? We’ll need to talk to him after.

It’s absolutely perfect. It’s exactly what this side and this crowd needed.

The energy is back.
Nicolas Kuhn celebrates after scoring against RB LeipzigImage source, Getty Images
goal
GOAL! Celtic 1-1 RB Leipzigpublished at 20:36 Greenwich Mean Time
20:36 GMT

Nicolas Kuhn

Oh wow. Oh wow!

Nicolas Kuhn jinks in from the right and curls an almost effortless strike in off the left-hand post.

Gorgeous finish. What a season this man is having.
LIVE stream page 5

‘Celtic players can’t find each other’published at 20:35 Greenwich Mean Time
20:35 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

It’s not falling apart but at the moment there’s no confidence in the Celtic players to find each other, hold the ball up.

They’ve given the ball away again.

Callum McGregor got the ball just before and had his arms out asking ‘who’s looking for it?’.

That’s a big sign.

Postpublished at 20:34 Greenwich Mean Time
20:34 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Kevin Kampl bodies Arne Engels off the ball and looks to put one in behind.

The veteran Leipzig midfielder is running this game.
CLOSE!published at 20:32 Greenwich Mean Time
20:32 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Leipzig could be out of sight.

A loose pass in midfield sees the visitors break clear again.

Antonio Nusa is fed on the left of the box but he completely slices wide of the near post.

Surely has to go far side there.
Postpublished at 20:31 Greenwich Mean Time
20:31 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic have now conceded six first-half goals in four Champions League games.

No team has conceded more in this season’s competition.
‘Not time to panic’published at 20:29 Greenwich Mean Time
20:29 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on Sportsound

Leipzig have taken the lead in two of their other Champions League games, and they’ve lost them.

They’re a team that don’t generally keep clean sheets in the Champions League, so although it’s a blow for Celtic, it’s not a time to panic.
Christoph Baumgartner celebrates Leipzig’s goalImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Christoph Baumgartner celebrates Leipzig’s goal
CLOSE!published at 20:28 Greenwich Mean Time
20:28 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Ooft, it should be two.

Another RB Leipzig corner is dangerous and Willi Orban glances wide of the far post.

Celtic are rattled.
Postpublished at 20:27 Greenwich Mean Time
20:27 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Celtic fans, look away now.

Your team have lost 27 of 28 Champions League games in which they have conceded first.
‘Carter-Vickers will be disappointed’published at 20:26 Greenwich Mean Time
20:26 GMT

Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Cameron Carter-Vickers will be very disappointed, he has to head that away from goal.
goal
GOAL! Celtic 0-1 RB Leipzigpublished at 20:25 Greenwich Mean Time
20:25 GMT

Christoph Baumgartner

They’ve been threatening and they have the opener from a corner.

The ball in is flicked on at the front post by Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and Christoph Baumgartner nods in back across goal.
RB Leipzig goal
Postpublished at 20:24 Greenwich Mean Time
20:24 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Kasper Schmeichel’s first real save of the night as he gets low to tip wide Lois Openda’s effort.

It was going wide anyway but the Celtic keeper couldn’t take a chance.
Postpublished at 20:24 Greenwich Mean Time
20:24 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on Sportsound

The ball that comes into Sesko – I wonder if he’s trying to be to clever by trying to flick it round the corner.

It looked like a poor touch, but I thought he could hit it first time.
‘Too easy’published at 20:23 Greenwich Mean Time
20:23 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

That was way too simple, that was a big chance.
Postpublished at 20:22 Greenwich Mean Time
20:22 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Leipzig are mounting a bit of pressure as Lutsharel Geertruida drills one to the front post.

Benjamin Sesko looks to take a touch, which he gets all wrong.

He should hit that first time, he’s good enough to.
Postpublished at 20:20 Greenwich Mean Time
20:20 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Leipzig win themselves a corner, which Celtic clear.

The visitors come again but Alistair Johnston is there to head away at the back post.
‘Good luck with quietening crowd!’published at 20:20 Greenwich Mean Time
20:20 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

He’ll be very pleased, Brendan Rodgers, and he will be as relaxed as he possibly can be in these circumstances.

Leipzig are trying to quieten the crowd – good luck with that! They’re trying to slow the ball down, play it along the back. It’s not working.
‘Celtic measured in build-up’published at 20:19 Greenwich Mean Time
20:19 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

Celtic are very measured in the build-up.

Then, when the ball is turned over, they come to life.
Nicolas Kuhn breaks away against RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
Volume up full inside Celtic Parkpublished at 20:18 Greenwich Mean Time
20:18 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

The noise levels inside Celtic Park from the home fans are unbelievable; singing, chanting, drum beating and booing when they don’t like a decision.

The RB Leipzig fans are playing their part in this crackling atmosphere too, to be fair, but they are being well and truly outdone by the home supporters.
Postpublished at 20:17 Greenwich Mean Time
20:17 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Nicolas Kuhn drives to the bye-line and fires one across goal.

It goes straight through Kyogo and Leipzig survive.

This is good pressure from Celtic.
Postpublished at 20:15 Greenwich Mean Time
20:15 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Have to imagine Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with this.

Celtic have had over 60% of the ball in these opening 15 minutes.
‘Not a foul’published at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time
20:13 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

No, no, no!

That’s just a great counter-press.

You can’t dilly-dally with this Celtic frontline on hand.

Postpublished at 20:13 Greenwich Mean Time
20:13 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda hunt El Chadaille Bitshiabu and rob him of the ball in the Leipzig box but the referee sees a foul.

Postpublished at 20:12 Greenwich Mean Time
20:12 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Auston Trusty plays two simple passes but it looked an effort for the Celtic defender.

He’s really trying to work this ankle issue off.
Postpublished at 20:11 Greenwich Mean Time
20:11 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

He’s back on his feet, Auston Trusty.

He’s limping but it looks like he’s going to give it a go.
‘Trusty landed badly’published at 20:10 Greenwich Mean Time
20:10 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

That does not look good. He’s not wanted to move at all either.

He’s really quite concerned about what he’s done. He’s landed badly.
ouch!
Ouch!published at 20:10 Greenwich Mean Time
20:10 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Auston Trusty is down and it looks a bad one.

He’s turned his left ankle when landing after challenging for a header. A tough one to watch a replay of.

Here come the physios…
Auston Trusty suffers a knock vs RB LeipzigImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 20:08 Greenwich Mean Time
20:08 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Lois Openda has his first shot.

It’s from way out and it’s blocked by the Celtic defence.
Postpublished at 20:07 Greenwich Mean Time
20:07 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Celtic work the corner to the edge of the box and Reo Hatate crosses.

Arne Engels hits the deck under a challenge off the ball but the referee is having none of it.
Postpublished at 20:06 Greenwich Mean Time
20:06 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Really good spell of possession from Celtic ends with a stunning Nicolas Kuhn cross but Willi Orban gets a vital head on it.
Postpublished at 20:04 Greenwich Mean Time
20:04 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

What a start!

I was just trying to take the whole atmosphere in.
Postpublished at 20:04 Greenwich Mean Time
20:04 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

End-to-end stuff in the opening minute as Arne Engels has a goal-bound effort blocked inside the Leipzig area before a Celtic body is thrown at a shot in the home box.

Right then, this could be wild.
Auston Trusty blocks an early RB Leipzig shotImage source, SNS
‘Massive task for Celtic defence’published at 20:02 Greenwich Mean Time
20:02 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

I look at Celtic’s two centre-backs, they’re up against Leipzig’s two most dangerous players.

If you give them any space, at any angle, they’ll take chances.

Trusty and Carter-Vickers, it’s a gigantic task. They need to keep them as quiet as possible.

I absolutely believe Celtic will make chances tonight, they’re capable of it.
KICK-OFFpublished at 20:01 Greenwich Mean Time
20:01 GMT

Celtic 0-0 RB Leipzig

And we’re off at Celtic Park.
Postpublished at 20:00 Greenwich Mean Time
20:00 GMT

After a minute’s silence for the victims of the Spanish floods, we’re just about ready to go.
What an atmosphere!published at 19:59 Greenwich Mean Time
19:59 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

Wow that was quite the rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The Celtic fans in top, top voice. The visiting fans tried to battled back vocally but failed miserably.
Celtic huddleImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 19:57 Greenwich Mean Time
19:57 GMT

Here come the teams.

Here comes the anthem.

And here comes that famous roar.
Reminder of the teams…published at 19:56 Greenwich Mean Time
19:56 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.

RB Leipzig: Gulacsi, Geertruida, Orban, Bitshiabu, Henrichs, Nusa, Haidara, Kampl, Baumgartner, Sesko, Openda.

Substitutes: Vandevoordt, Elmas, Poulsen, Seiwald, Klostermann, Vermeeren, Silva, Ouedraogo, Gebel.
Clinical Seskopublished at 19:51 Greenwich Mean Time
19:51 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

All three of RB Leipzig’s goals in the Champions League this season have been scored by Benjamin Sesko from 10 shots.

The rest of his team-mates have had 34 shots without finding the net.
‘Leipzig attacking duo will keep Celtic busy’published at 19:49 Greenwich Mean Time
19:49 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Alasdair Lamont
BBC Sport Scotland
Benjamin SeskoImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Celtic will need to keep a close eye on RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko

Their strong league start has been built on a solid, mean defence, with just five conceded after that loss in Dortmund.

Key to that has been the form of the Hungarian international keeper Peter Gulacsi, who kept the score down on Saturday.

He suffered an horrific knee injury when the sides met in Leipzig in 2022, which kept him out for 16 months, but he has battled back to reclaim his number one status and will be aiming to carve out a better memory from this meeting.

At the other end of the pitch, there is a dual threat provided by the pairing of Belgium’s Lois Openda and the young Slovenian Benjamin Sesko.

The duo combined to give RB Leipzig the lead in the Westfalenstadion at the weekend and will likely provide Cameron Carter-Vickers and company with a few headaches on Tuesday.

Both came to the club in the summer of 2023 and contributed greatly, Openda ending the season with 28 goals.

It is Sesko who is slightly ahead on seven at the moment, scoring all three of his team’s Champions League goals, and Celtic will do well to prevent him adding to that.
Pre-match prep in full flowpublished at 19:46 Greenwich Mean Time
19:46 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park

Both teams are out on the pitch warming up.

The visitors received the kind of reception you’d expect, here’s a clue: it wasn’t a warm one!

You’d imagine Celtic Park will be full to the brim for this one by kick-off.
‘Celtic will definitely cause Leipzig problems’published at 19:43 Greenwich Mean Time
19:43 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland
Paul LambertImage source, SNS

Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert says tonight’s match is one his former club “can definitely win” to help them put “one foot in the door” of the Champions League knockout phase.

Lambert, who won the competition with Borussia Dortmund in 1997, bases some of his optimism on the weekend win by his old side over Leipzig.

“I watched them on Saturday against Dortmund and Dortmund should have won by more,” he told BBC Scotland.

“But on the counter-attack Leipzig are pretty quick. (Lois) Openda’s a good player. (Benjamin) Sesko’s a good player.

“So they’ve got players who can hurt you, but it’s a home game for Celtic and a game Celtic can definitely win if they play the way they can.”

Lambert is impressed with the way Celtic have started this new Champions League format, gathering four points from their first three matches, the recent draw at Atalanta standing out in particular.

“I think it was a great point against Atalanta,” he added. “I think they’ll take a lot of confidence from that.

“The fans will come with a lot of optimism, they always do no matter who Celtic are playing. I think they realise they’re up against a good side, but Celtic will cause them problems without a doubt.”

Kuhn’s in the gossip…published at 19:40 Greenwich Mean Time
19:40 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)
Gossip

Nicolas Kuhn continued his fine season by scoring one and assisting another in Celtic’s six-goal show at Hampden on Saturday.

He starts again tonight on the right of the attack. English top-flight sides are apparently watching the German winger.

Don’t shoot the messenger, it’s in the gossip…

‘These nights are special’published at 19:37 Greenwich Mean Time
19:37 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports

I love coming back. I came back for the derby at the start of the season with my family, which was a great feeling. To be back on a Champions League night is a proper buzz.

I got told I wouldn’t understand what it was like – European nights at Celtic Park. I thought, ‘okay, I’ve been around, I’ve seen a few things’ – but they are special.

When the Champions League anthem plays, I get proper tingles.
‘Celtic have shown they can defend at this level’published at 19:33 Greenwich Mean Time
19:33 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on Sportsound

I don’t think it’ll be as defensive [a performance] as it was at Atalanta.

The night’s here are special. The noise inside this stadium is incredible. I don’t think Celtic will take a backwards step. They’ll try and get a fast start and control the ball as much as they can.

The clean sheet against Atalanta has given them a confidence boost that they can defend at this level when they need to.
Atalanta point ‘huge shot in arm’published at 19:31 Greenwich Mean Time
19:31 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Neil Lennon
Former Celtic manager on TNT Sports

Celtic can beat anyone at home on any given night.

The point they got in Bergamo was a huge shot in the arm for them in terms of progression.
The stats you didn’t know you needed…published at 19:28 Greenwich Mean Time
19:28 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)
Kasper SchmeichelImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Kasper Schmeichel is celebrating his 38th birthday today

Turning 38 today, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is the joint-oldest player to play a Champions League game on his birthday, along with David Seaman for Arsenal against Schalke in September 2001.

Also, Celtic are the first team to feature two players celebrating their birthday in a single Champions League (Schmeichel and Greg Taylor) since Manchester United against Basel in November 2017.
‘Dortmund hammering a blessing in disguise?’published at 19:25 Greenwich Mean Time
19:25 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Tino
Fan writer
Fan’s voice

Hear me out, but Celtic’s 7-1 hammering at the hands of Borussia Dortmund just over a month ago might just be the best thing to have happened in terms of our chances of progressing in this season’s Champions League.

Think of it this way – had we lost by the odd goal or two in Germany, would the backlash have been anywhere near as intense as it was? Would the players have felt the sting had the result only been 2-0, for example?

And crucially, would Brendan Rodgers have made the changes he went on to make for the subsequent draw with Atalanta, had he not experienced that punishing defeat from Nuri Sahin’s side?

I’d argue that a firm ‘no’ is the answer to all of the above.

Make no mistake, despite only collecting one point on the night, that draw with a seriously talented Atalanta has breathed new life into this campaign.

Yes, we rode our luck at times, but there was no doubt that the lessons of Dortmund had been learned and, more importantly, that they were applied in Bergamo.

At Celtic Park on Tuesday, Rodgers and this talented group have the chance to take their next steps forward as a team and show that they continue to learn in the cut-throat environment of the Champions League.

If they do so then maybe, just maybe, they could take a massive leap closer towards qualifying for the knockout stages.

Click here to get more Celtic news, analysis and fan views on their dedicated BBC Sport page.
Well, look who it is isnae…published at 19:22 Greenwich Mean Time
19:22 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

It’s Victor (Wanyama)!

The former Celtic midfielder is back in town to take in a Champions League night – he knows a thing or two about them.

He’s still playing at CF Montreal over in Canada, but their season has come to already come to an end.
Victor WanyamaImage source, SNS
Pick of the statspublished at 19:18 Greenwich Mean Time
19:18 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Tuesday will be the fifth meeting of Celtic and RB Leipzig, with the Scots winning once and the German outfit triumphing three times.
Celtic’s last win over German opposition was a 2-1 home victory against Leipzig during the group stage of the Europa League in 2018.
Leipzig are winless in their past five Uefa competition matches, including four losses and one draw.
The Bundesliga side last won away from home against foreign opposition against Young Boys in Switzerland in last season’s Champions League group opener.
Top scorer Daizen Maeda is bidding to become the first Celtic player to score three times in a Champions League group or league phase since Moussa Dembele in 2016.
Leipzig are bidding to be the first away winner at Celtic Park in any competition since Hearts in December last year.

The last meetingpublished at 19:15 Greenwich Mean Time
19:15 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

These two clubs met in the group stage of the Champions League two years ago.

Leipzig won both, 3-1 in Germany before claiming a 2-0 win in Glasgow.

Needless to say, the Scottish champions will be hoping for a better outcome this time.
‘Celtic Park atmosphere means you must be ready’published at 19:12 Greenwich Mean Time
19:12 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland
Marco RoseImage source, SNS

“The boys are very aware of it, you can feel it in the dressing room.”

RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose says his side are incredibly aware their current tally in the Champions League (zero points) is nowhere near where it needs to be.

The German side have had three tough games to kick-start the new format of the competition against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus and have suffered three defeats.

“We know what we have until now is not enough and we need to start getting points some day,” Rose said.

Rose has enjoyed success at Celtic Park and is going for a hat-trick of wins in Glasgow’s east end.

“The fans here mean you need to be ready if you want to win here,” he said.

“It will be a great atmosphere and we have to use it because we like to play in these kinds of stadiums.

“I always like coming here, I like the history of the club, I appreciate fan culture a lot.”
What shape are Leipzig in?published at 19:09 Greenwich Mean Time
19:09 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)
LeipzigImage source, SNS

Leipzig are going well in the Bundesliga, sitting second and just three points off top, but they lost their first league game on Saturday at Dortmund.

No shame in losing there, though, eh?

Their defence has been seriously impressive, conceding just five times in nine league games, and Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, who have 13 goals between them this term, form a formidable front pairing.

The German side have struggled in Europe, losing three of their opening three games in an unforgiving start to their Champions League campaign – Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.

That’s just cruel.
Leipzig switch twopublished at 19:05 Greenwich Mean Time
19:05 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Marco Rose makes two changes to the Leipzig side that lost 2-1 to Borussia Dortmund at the weekend.

Lukas Klostermann and Arthur Vermeeren drop to the bench with El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Kevin Kampl coming in.

Rose is still without playmaker Xavi Simons through injury, along with David Raum, Xaver Schlager and Castello Lukeba.
LINE-UPS at Celtic Parkpublished at 19:01 Greenwich Mean Time
19:01 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda.

Substitutes: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Idah, Valle, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.

RB Leipzig: Gulacsi, Geertruida, Orban, Bitshiabu, Henrichs, Nusa, Haidara, Kampl, Baumgartner, Sesko, Openda.

Substitutes: Vandevoordt, Elmas, Poulsen, Seiwald, Klostermann, Vermeeren, Silva, Ouedraogo, Gebel.
Openda & Sesko start for Leipzigpublished at 18:58 Greenwich Mean Time
18:58 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

On the topic of RB Leipzig front pairing Benjamin Sesko and Lois Openda, both start for the German side tonight.

We’ll have full team news from the Bundesliga club shortly.
‘Not an impossible task’published at 18:54 Greenwich Mean Time
18:54 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Pat Nevin
Former Scotland winger on BBC Sportsound

Leipzig have had a good run in the Bundesliga. Sesko and Openda up front are fast and they’re class.

They’re natural goalscorers so you can’t give them many chances.

But is this an impossible task for Celtic? Absolutely not.
Valle benched but Trusty keeps placepublished at 18:50 Greenwich Mean Time
18:50 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)
Greg TaylorImage source, SNS
Image caption,

Greg Taylor returns to the Celtic defence

So the one change for Celtic following Saturday’s six-goal show at Hampden is at left-back.

Greg Taylor replaces Barcelona loanee Alex Valle.

Auston Trusty also keeps his place in the centre of defence with Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Happy with that, Celtic fans?
Taylor returns to Celtic XIpublished at 18:46 Greenwich Mean Time
18:46 GMTBreaking

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Taylor, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Kyogo, Maeda.
Postpublished at 18:44 Greenwich Mean Time
18:44 GMT
Jock Stein statueImage source, SNS
Jock SteinImage source, SNS

Some top level photography on show this evening as fireworks in the east end light up Jock Stein’s statue outside Celtic Park.

We’re also seeing pictures of the teams arriving at Parkhead on our feed.

Team lines imminent…
‘The fans can bring us closer to a good result’published at 18:42 Greenwich Mean Time
18:42 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)
Media caption,

Brendan Rodgers says the Celtic crowd can play a key part in Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Leipzig
Postpublished at 18:38 Greenwich Mean Time
18:38 GMT

We’re still awaiting the team news but we’ll bring it straight to you as soon as it lands.

Should be dropping any minute now…

LIVE stream page 8

Listen live: Sportsoundpublished at 18:36 Greenwich Mean Time
18:36 GMT

Celtic v RB Leipzig (20:00)

BBC Radio Scotland Extra

The Sportsound team will provide live match commentary from Celtic Park later.

In the meantime you can wrap your ears around the build-up on BBC Radio Scotland Extra.

Or just click play at the top of this page.

Postpublished at 18:31 Greenwich Mean Time
18:31 GMT

“Every game for us at this level is a cup final,” were the words of Brendan Rodgers yesterday.

Well, that means it’s cup final four of the season for Celtic tonight as RB Leipzig visit Parkhead in the Champions League.

Get comfy and watch the fireworks from the hoose, we’ve got you covered.

---

‘Embarrassed by a no-name’ – how the German press reacted to Celtic’s victory over RB Leipzig

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/embarrassed-by-a-no-name-how-the-german-press-reacted-to-celtics-victory-over-rb-leipzig-4855205
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder
Deputy Sports Editor

Published 6th Nov 2024, 11:33 GMT
Updated 6th Nov 2024, 11:59 GMT

German media focus on one Celtic star after Leipzig demolition
Celtic claimed their best Champions League result in recent years with a 3-1 victory over German Bundesliga title hopefuls RB Leipzig at an electrified Parkhead on Tuesday.

The Scottish champions produced a high-octane performance to match the highly-charged atmosphere inside the stadium as Brendan Rodgers’ side came from behind to seal three points courtesy of a Nicolas Kuhn double and a Reo Hatate strike. The victory moved Celtic onto seven points at the halfway stage of the newly-revamped Champions League to sit in a lofty 13th position in the 36-team table while Leipzig are down in 31st with zero points after a fourth straight defeat.

While the focus in Scotland has been on the brilliance of Celtic, over in Germany, the media have taken a rather dim view of the Leipzig display against a side who were thrashed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund five weeks ago. In their report on the match, Germany’s largest newspaper Bild said Leipzig “was embarrassed by a German no-name professional – who, of all people, was trained in RB’s youth team,” in reference to Celtic hero Kuhn.

Writing more about Kuhn’s background, the report continued: “In 2020, when he had already left Leipzig, Kuhn won the Fritz Walter Medal in gold (award for the best German young player) and was considered a future DFB star. Interesting: The winger was discarded by the then RB sporting director Ralf Rangnick. He was of the opinion that Kühn’s game did not suit Leipzig’s pressing style of football. Kühn came to Celtic via Ajax II, Bayern II, Aue and Rapid Vienna. His record with the Scottish champions: 25 goals in 34 games – (still) a no-name in Germany, a celebrated hero in Glasgow.

A seperate report in Bild tipped the 24-year-old winger to now push for a first call-up to the German national team. “After his Champions League gala, Kuhn can even dream of playing for the national team,” it stated. “He is no stranger to the DFB! He played for all the junior national teams from the U15 to the U20 until his career stalled. Now Kuhn is starting anew.”

Bild also described the hostile reception the Leipzig players received upon arrival at Celtic Park: “The RB Leipzig players got a taste of the Champions League match in Glasgow when the bus arrived in front of the stadium. The loud Celtic fans shouted ‘Welcome to hell’ to them. And the evening really did turn out to be a hellish trip for the Bundesliga team…”

The victory earned Celtic an additional €2.1million in prize money to take their total Champions League earnings thus far minus gate receipts to €22.8m with an €11m bounty on offer for qualification to the last 16. Bild pointed to financial implication’s of Leipzig’s defeat to Celtic: “The bloodless 1:3 in Glasgow was the fourth Champions League defeat in four games . Leipzig is ranked 31st out of 36 in the XXL table, could slip even further on Wednesday and (almost) avoid the knockout round. An early exit would be expensive…

“The new Champions League mode offers even more bonuses: there is 11 million euros for reaching the round of 16. There are also new placement bonuses, with one million for places 9 to 16. RB has had the chance to win in all four games so far and has collected 2.1 million in prize money each time. The bottom line is that Leipzig is carelessly throwing away around 20 million! Theoretically, three wins are needed in the remaining four games. Next up is Inter Milan, then Aston Villa, then Sporting Lisbon, and finally Sturm Graz. Three of RB Leipzig ’s four opponents are currently among the top eight in the table.”

There was also criticism of the Leipzig performance, referencing a quote from coach Marco Rose before the game where he said: “Celtic is a strong team with very predictable processes.” The report added: “But it was apparently not that easy to see through after all… After the 1:2 defeat in Dortmund, Leipzig disappointed in the second top game in a row. Worrying: Not only the results in the top games do not reflect the squad, but also the performance. There is not much left of the former attacking and hurrah football. Against Celtic, there was a lack of conviction, dominance and game activity. The pressing was ineffective, especially in the second half.”

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