The reverberations around Celtic showing up RB Leipzig in the Champions League continue as Brendan Rodgers’ team makes shockwaves in Europe.
No one could have expected the style in which Celtic took care of Leipzig in last night’s Parkhead showdown but it’s fair to say it will make a lasting impression on the Parkhead club.
Brendan Rodgers came in for some serious stick after the Dortmund result but after the Bhoys snatched a point against Atalanta, the German side knew they were in for a game at Celtic Park.
And after the final whistle blew, five of Celtic’s Champions League heroes were singled out for some special praise.
Reo Hatate and Nicolas Kuhn on ‘top form’ for Celtic vs RB Leipzig
Reo Hatate had a superb game for Celtic as the Japan international not only bossed the midfield but also scored the third goal that sealed the three points and a historic win.
Péter Gulácsi spills the ball and Reo Hatate pounces 💥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2024
Celtic are on course for a memorable victory in Europe!
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/tCfxrQKpR4
And talking up the Japanese midfielder, Dominik Diamond compared Hatate to legendary German striker, Gerd Muller.
Hatate channeling Gerd Muller with his reactions in the 6 yard box there! Great bit of poaching there! #CelticFC #CELRBL
— Dominik Diamond (@DominikDiamond) November 5, 2024
Diamond then went on to say, “Amazing start then a set piece howler throwback and I thought we were in for a hiding. But it’s a Nicolas Kuhn world and we’re just living in it. Also you Tims in Paradise tonight? On top TOP form! Some level of support blasting out the TV over here!”
Muller was a prolific striker for the German national team famous for his prowess in the six-yard box in and won three European Cups, a Cup Winners Cup and four Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich in the 60s and 70s.
Arne Engels and Greg Taylor praised for ‘huge’ Celtic shift vs RB Leipzig
Not only did Hatate get some praise, Diamond pointed out Greg Taylor, Arne Engels and Hyunjun Yang’s cameo for Celtic in the Champions League win.
Diamond continued, “Good shift by Greg Taylor, played his part in the second goal. Ditto Engels. Let their guy in for the goal, but some of his passing was terrific.
“Good wee shift from Yang tonight as well, on a huge stage.
“Did not expect a 3-1 win this morning. Second best team in Germany comprehensively outfought, outthought and outplayed by Celtic. A joy to see.”
It certainly was a joy to see and no longer are Celtic fans looking at the Champions League as fixtures to watch from behind the couch.
If anything, that’s how our opposition will be feeling now that Parkhead seems to have become a fortress once more.