Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig: Nicolas Kuhn nets double as Hoops come from behind to secure Champions League win
Nicolas Kuhn netted two goals as Celtic achieved their second consecutive home victory in this season's Champions League, comfortably defeating RB Leipzig with a score of 3-1.
The Hoops demonstrated that their poor performance in Dortmund was an isolated incident. Building on the confidence they gained from their recent draw with Atalanta, they managed to surprise the team currently in second place in the Bundesliga.
Christophe Baumgartner put the away team ahead with a goal, but Kuhn responded with a beautiful shot that hit the post and went in. Just before halftime, he also converted a cross from Greg Taylor, scoring another goal.
Parkhead was buzzing as Reo Hatate sealed the victory by driving the ball home after Leipzig's goalkeeper, Peter Gulacsi, mishandled Alistair Johnston's cross.
Daizen Maeda found the back of the net during injury time, but the offside flag was raised.
Celtic has accumulated seven points from four matches, with four more still to play, whereas RB Leipzig has not scored any points in the tournament so far.
Celtic's Chance For Champions League Progression
Kuhn progressed through the youth system in Leipzig before moving to Glasgow in January, after playing with the B teams of Ajax and Bayern Munich, as well as at Rapid Vienna. It’s likely that no one felt prouder about Celtic’s comeback against a German team than he did.
The home team appeared confident while controlling the ball and effectively pressured their opponents in the early moments of the match. Arne Engels had his attempt at goal stopped after Maeda found space behind the defense, and Kuhn skillfully maneuvered past his defender to deliver a threatening cross in front of the net.
The dynamics of the match shifted dramatically when Benjamin Sesko’s shot curved narrowly wide thanks to a deflection. Although any potential goal could have been called back due to what appeared to be a foul on Auston Trusty in the midfield, Celtic quickly found themselves unable to escape their half or keep hold of the ball.
Kasper Schmeichel managed to divert Lois Openda's shot away after Trusty had handed the ball over to Leipzig. The visitors capitalized on this opportunity and took the lead with a corner from Kevin Kampl halfway through the first half. Cameron Carter-Vickers' unintentional touch set up Baumgartner, who then jumped to head the ball in from just a few feet away.
Kuhn changed the course of the game once more. The ex-Germany youth international made some impressive moves down the right before getting a touch from Engels, then skillfully maneuvered inside and sent an impeccable shot from 20 yards that hit the post and went in during the 35th minute.
Kuhn quickly regained possession in his own half and was involved in some solid ball movement before delivering a brilliant pass with the outside of his foot that sliced through the Leipzig defense. However, Maeda was unable to keep his shot on target from the edge of the penalty area.
Celtic maintained their attacking momentum. Johnston attempted a shot that was saved, and then Kyogo Furuhashi maneuvered past two defenders, unleashing a shot aimed at the goal that was deflected away by Orban's crucial sliding intervention.
Kuhn added to his score in injury time by finding the net after Greg Taylor assisted with a pass from Hatate that traveled across the six-yard box.
Just four minutes into the second half, the winger had a good opportunity to complete his hat-trick after a strong run from Callum McGregor, but he missed the target with his shot.
Hatate was nearly successful with a shot from 20 yards out. Not long after, Leipzig applied some pressure, and Schmeichel made an impressive diving save to stop Sesko's attempt after a long pass.
Celtic quickly found their energy again. Hatate prompted a diving save with an impressive display from Kuhn on the wing, and several shots zoomed through the Leipzig penalty area.
Schmeichel made a fantastic save to deny Baumgartner's volley, but Celtic quickly regrouped and launched another offensive. In the 72nd minute, Hatate was positioned perfectly and scored from just three yards out after Gulacsi failed to handle Johnston's low cross.
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Celtic's head coach, Brendan Rodgers:
I believe we began the match feeling very confident. However, after we let in a goal, it shook us up for a moment, and our passing became a bit sloppy. Still, I think the team's experience helped us bounce back. We managed to score the first goal and kept our momentum going.
I have high expectations, particularly when it comes to being assertive and pushing hard in the game. I believe we truly excelled in those areas.
"I sensed that tonight we captured the right mix of energy and thrill in our offensive play from the Bratislava match, along with the strong tactical discipline in our defense that we showcased against Atalanta."
"I believe we combined their strengths to deliver an exceptional team performance against a truly impressive opponent that has allowed only five goals throughout the entire season."
"I want to acknowledge the players for managing to score three goals and create even more chances to score."
