Celtic 5-1 Bratislava / A tremendous start in CL for the hoops

Rampant Celtic overpowered Slovan Bratislava at a jubilant Celtic Park to win their opening Champions League game for the first time ever in impressive style. On a rare occasion when they began a game in Europe’s premier competition as favourites, Brendan Rodgers’ side delivered an invigorating performance full of energy and poise. Liam Scales headed in Arne Engels’ corner to send the crowd wild on 17 minutes, and the Scottish champions created a flurry of other opportunities before the break but failed to embellish their score. However, Kyogo Furuhashi diverted Nicolas Kuhn’s fierce cross into the net barely two minutes into the second half, banishing any lingering nerves Celtic fans may have had about profligacy returning to bite them. Further opportunities came and went before the outstanding Engels slotted in a third from the penalty spot after Alistair Johnston was caught by Danylo Ihnatenko. Kevin Wimmer’s brilliant finish with the outside of his left foot briefly punctured the party atmosphere as Slovan hit back, but normal service quickly resumed. Reo Hatate teed up Daizen Maeda to re-establish Celtic’s three-goal cushion, before James Forrest slipped through fellow substitute Adam Idah to round off a morale-boosting and much-needed victory.