CELTIC 3-1 RB LEIPZIG PLAYER RATINGS: Which star man notched a stunning double? Who recovered after early error? Who came out on top in the battle against the visitors’ dangerman?
Celtic took a huge step towards securing a spot in the Champions League knockout stage with a fine come-from-behind victory over RB Leipzig.
Christoph Baumgartner silenced the home crowd midway through the first half with a close-range header to put his side in front, before the hosts roared back to go in 2-1 ahead at the interval courtesy of a Nicolas Kuhn double.
Reo Hatate sealed the three points with a quarter of the game remaining after pouncing on an error from Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
It’s now seven points from a possible 12 so far for Brendan Rodgers’ men, who can all but ensure a play-off berth should they see of Club Brugge at Celtic Park in their next European clash.
Kevin McKenna runs the rule over Celtic’s star performers on what was a wonderful night for the Glasgow giants.
Christoph Baumgartner headed home the opener to give his team a first-half lead
Nicolas Kuhn struck twice before the interval to turn the contest in Celtic’s favour
Midfielder Reo Hatate grabbed the killer third goal to secure the points for his team
Celtic (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel 7 — Had no chance with opener. Made a couple of important saves after the interval.
Alistair Johnston 6.5 — Had his work cut out against the tricky Nusa but stuck to his task. Got assist for the third.
Auston Trusty 7 — Looked a little nervy in possession but settled down. In the right position to make a number of key clearances.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 7.5 — Got the better of his battle with dangerman Sesko. Won his aerial duels and thwarted several dangerous attacks.
Greg Taylor 6.5 — Wonderful assist to tee up Kuhn for Celtic’s second. Grew into the contest and was always a willing runner.
Arne Engels 6 — Caught napping at the back post as Baumgartner headed home from close range but recovered well.
Cameron Carter-Vickers was a rock at the heart of the hosts’ defence throughout
Callum McGregor 7 — A captain’s display. Composed in the middle of the park and kept his side ticking over.
Reo Hatate 8 — Capped a wonderful performance with a goal. Calm in possession and constantly on the front foot.
Nicolas Kuhn 8.5 — Arguably his best performance in a Celtic shirt. Notched a fine double and gave the visitors’ defence a torrid time.
Daizen Maeda 6 — Looked to have the beating of Geertruida early on but wasn’t at his best. Played a part in creating Kuhn’s second.
Kyogo Furuhashi 6.5 — Had an excellent opportunity to get on the scoresheet in the first half but otherwise quiet.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers saw his side come from behind to beat the Bundesliga side
Substitutes — Valle (Taylor 68), Bernardo (Engels 68), Scales (Carter-Vickers 74), Yang (Kuhn 74), Idah (Kyogo 82).
Not used — Sinisalo, Palma, McCowan, Nawrocki, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.
Brendan Rodgers 8 — Will have been delighted to see side deliver another huge win.
RB Leipzig (4-4-2)
Gulacsi 4; Geertruida 5, Orban 6, Bitshiabu 5, Henrichs 6; Nusa 6.5 (Elmas 68), Baumgartner 7.5 (Ouedraogo 76), Kampl 6 , Haidara (Seiwald 76); Openda 5.5 (Silva 82), Sesko (Poulsen 68).
Referee — Benoit Bastien 6
