Not even the most optimistic of Celtic fans would have expected Brendan Rodgers' side to outplay RB Leipzig and earn themselves a relatively comfortable win over the Bundesliga contenders. But that is exactly what happened at Parkhead. A brilliant brace from Nicolas Kuhn and a goal from Reo Hatate proved enough to seal a 3-1 victory for the Hoops in what will go down as a famous European night at Parkhead.
RB Leipzig did get the lead on the night. And once again, it was a goal that could have been avoided. Kasper Schmeichel did not really need to concede the corner by making a save. The first one was headed back out but the defending on the second one was questionable at best.
But contrary to the norm, Celtic actually grew into this game. Kuhn scored a stunning equaliser. Then some brilliant feet from Hatate helped set up the German winger's second.
The third one came after the break and Celtic were flying. They could have actually scored more than three on the night.
Chris Sutton gives immediate reaction to Celtic win vs RB Leipzig
On days that Celtic get big results, many fans wait for the reaction of Chris Sutton. And the former striker had nothing but praise for his former side as he tweeted out:
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 👏👏👏☘️
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) November 5, 2024
The Celtic players deserve immense credit for the job that they have done in Europe so far this season. They now have seven points from the first four games and qualification to the next phase of the competition looks very much within reach.
Rodgers deserves his fair share of credit as well. His approach had drawn plenty of criticism after the 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund. But that result seems like a distant memory already and the Hoops are flying both domestically and in Europe.