A breath-taking comeback from Celtic saw pick up a huge three Champions League points as they downed Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig 3-1 at Celtic Park.
A first-half header from Christoph Baumgartner had put the visitors into lead (23) from a corner, despite Celtic starting the brighter of the two sides. However, Nicolas Kuhn’s wonderful curling shot from the edge of the area deservedly restored parity (34) before the German tapped home his second from close range in first-half injury time to send the Celtic fans into ecstasy.
Reo Hatate sealed the win when he slammed home the third on 72 minutes after a goalkeeping error from Péter Gulácsi, as Celtic celebrated another famous European night in the east end of Glasgow.
The result moves Brendan Rodgers’ side into 13th place in the Champions League table and, most importantly, means they can all but secure at least play-off place for the last 16 of the competition with a win in their next game against Club Brugge on November 27 at Celtic Park.
Here is how The Scotsman rated each player out of ten for their display at Celtic Park:
9. RW: Nicolas Kuhn - 9
Outstanding. His goal was out of the top-drawer. Put in some good early crosses, and will have left-back Benjamin Henrichs will be having nightmares about him. He absolutely tortured him on the right-hand side and caused problem after problem with his pace and directness. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. LW: Daizen Maeda - 6
His early break and cross almost created a goal in the opening minute. Kept his pressing and energy high, but his loose pass almost handed Leipzig a second goal on a plate, but Nusa fired over to save his blushes. Missed a glorious chance when put through by Kuhn just after the German had equalised. | SNS Group
11. CF: Kyogo Furuhashi - 8
Caused issues for the Leipzig defence with his constant pressing. Didn't manage to get much of a sight on goal on the first 45, but produced a fabulous piece of skill to fashion a chance for himself on the stroke of half-time that was well blocked. Grew in influence in the second-half and had the Leipzig defence backpedalling repeatedly. | PA Photo: SNS Group
12. Celtic subs:
Alex Valle - 6 (Came on for Taylor and offered plenty of energy down the left) Paulo Bernardo - 7 (His first touch was a wonderful outside of the boot pass to Maeda which almost provided Celtic a chance). Liam Scales - 6 (Came on late for Carter-Vickers). Yang Hyun-Jun - 6 (On as a late sub). Adam Idah - N/A (Came on for the final nine minutes). | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group