Celtic F.C. secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava on September 18, 2024, during their UEFA Champions League group-stage match at Celtic Park. This encounter, held before a raucous crowd of 56,826 spectators, marked a significant moment in Celtic’s European campaign, with standout performances across the board.
A Dominant Celtic Performance
Celtic’s victory over Slovan Bratislava was underpinned by their dominant possession and attacking intensity. The match saw Celtic control 61% of the ball, as they pushed forward with relentless energy. Slovan Bratislava, on the other hand, struggled to cope with Celtic’s offensive onslaught, registering just 39% possession.
From the outset, Celtic showcased their attacking prowess, with goals coming from multiple sources. Celtic’s defense, marshaled by players like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales, was solid throughout, limiting Slovan’s opportunities and maintaining pressure high up the pitch.
Key Moments and Goals
The opening goal came early in the match, as Liam Scales struck in the 17th minute. Celtic’s high pressing game was in full force, forcing Slovan into mistakes that they were quick to capitalize on. Kyogo Furuhashi doubled Celtic’s lead in the second half, with a goal just after the break in the 47th minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match.
The floodgates truly opened in the second half. A penalty in the 56th minute by Aaron Engels further extended the lead, followed by Daizen Maeda’s goal in the 70th minute. Celtic’s dominance continued with a fifth goal from Adam Idah in the 86th minute. Slovan’s only consolation came courtesy of a goal from Kevin Wimmer in the 60th minute.
Slovan Bratislava’s Struggles
Slovan’s response was sporadic, with their main threat coming from the aforementioned Wimmer. Their defensive line, featuring players like Guram Kashia and Kevin Blackman, appeared disjointed and unable to cope with the speed and precision of Celtic’s attacks. Despite making 21 clearances and blocking 4 shots, Slovan struggled to maintain any real control over the match.
The Slovakian side’s attack, while occasionally dangerous, was mostly ineffective. With only 8 shots in total, two of which were on target, they were unable to test Celtic’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, significantly. Slovan’s game lacked the cohesion needed to mount a serious challenge in this high-profile European encounter.
Statistical Breakdown
Looking at the match statistics, Celtic’s superiority was clear. They recorded 16 total shots, with 11 on target, compared to Slovan’s 8 shots and 2 on target. Celtic also had a commanding 11 corners, highlighting their dominance in set-piece situations. The visitors, in contrast, only managed 4 corners. Celtic’s passing success rate stood at an impressive 88%, which was significantly higher than Slovan’s 82%. This reflected the fluidity and precision in Celtic’s game, while Slovan struggled to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively.
Player Highlights
Several players stood out in this high-scoring match. Kyogo Furuhashi was a constant threat, providing the second goal and contributing to the overall attacking intensity. Aaron Engels was another standout, scoring from the penalty spot and showing composure under pressure. Celtic’s defensive pairing of Carter-Vickers and Scales was also crucial in keeping Slovan’s forwards at bay, while Adam Idah capped off an impressive performance with the final goal of the match.
For Slovan Bratislava, Kevin Wimmer’s goal in the 60th minute was the team’s only moment of celebration. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough to lift his team, as the Slovakian side struggled to contain Celtic’s superior attacking play. Slovan’s goalkeeper, Dominik Takáč, had a difficult evening, facing numerous shots and struggling to keep the scoreline from ballooning further.
Tactical Insights
Celtic’s manager, Brendan Rodgers, set his team up to play with a high-pressing strategy, aimed at forcing Slovan into mistakes and winning the ball high up the pitch. This approach worked perfectly, as Celtic frequently found themselves in dangerous positions and quickly turned defensive situations into attacking opportunities. The team’s pressing was not just effective, but relentless, with each goal coming from sustained pressure and fast transitions.
In contrast, Slovan Bratislava, under the guidance of coach Vladimír Weiss, seemed unable to deal with Celtic’s pace and movement. Their defensive line lacked cohesion, and their midfield struggled to control the game. Slovan’s tactical setup seemed overly conservative at times, leaving them exposed to Celtic’s aggressive offensive play.
FAQs
What was the final score of the Celtic vs Slovan Bratislava match?
The match ended with a resounding 5-1 victory for Celtic F.C. over Slovan Bratislava. Celtic demonstrated their dominance from the start, securing the win with goals spread across the match, despite a brief period of resistance from Slovan after their goal in the second half.
How did Celtic perform in terms of possession and shots?
Celtic dominated possession with 61% of the ball compared to Slovan Bratislava’s 39%. This control allowed them to dictate the tempo of the game, creating several opportunities. Celtic’s offensive efforts were reflected in their 16 total shots, 11 of which were on target, showcasing their attacking efficiency. Slovan, on the other hand, had 8 shots, with only 2 hitting the target.
What were the key moments in the match?
Celtic’s opening goal came in the 17th minute, with Liam Scales finding the back of the net. The second half saw a quick response from Celtic, as Kyogo Furuhashi scored just after the break in the 47th minute. Slovan Bratislava mounted a brief challenge with a goal from Kamil Wimmer in the 60th minute, but Celtic quickly restored their advantage with a penalty by Aidan Engels (56′) and further goals from Daizen Maeda (70′) and Adam Idah (86′).
How many corners were awarded during the match?
Celtic earned 11 corners during the game, exerting pressure on Slovan Bratislava’s defense. Slovan, in contrast, earned just 4 corners, which speaks to Celtic’s dominance in attacking play.
What was the performance of Celtic’s players?
Several Celtic players stood out, with Aidan Engels earning a match rating of 8.7 for his crucial penalty goal and overall midfield performance. Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored the second goal of the match, was also a key player, along with Daizen Maeda, who added another to the scoreline. At the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales ensured Slovan’s attacks were minimized
In Summary
The 5-1 scoreline in favor of Celtic was a true reflection of their dominance on the field. With an impressive mix of attacking prowess, possession control, and solid defense, Celtic dispatched Slovan Bratislava with ease. The match was not only a testament to Celtic’s individual talent but also their team cohesion and tactical superiority under the management of Brendan Rodgers. As the team continues their Champions League campaign, this victory sets a strong precedent for the challenges ahead, making them a team to watch in the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season.
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