Celtic kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, thrashing Slovan Bratislava 5-1 at a raucous Celtic Park. Brendan Rodgers’ side finally got the start they’ve been yearning for in Europe, and the manner of their performance suggests this year could be different from the painful European nights of the past.
The Hoops were in control from the first whistle, with a Liam Scales header after 17 minutes setting the tone for what became a one-sided affair. Celtic were relentless, passing with precision and energy that Slovan simply couldn’t handle. Arne Engels, the club’s record signing, was pivotal, delivering the corner for Scales’ goal and later slotting in a calm penalty to make it 3-0.
Kyogo Furuhashi doubled the lead just after the break, turning in a fierce cross from Nicolas Kuhn, and Daizen Maeda restored Celtic’s three-goal cushion after Kevin Wimmer briefly gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. Adam Idah rounded off the scoring late on to seal a memorable win.
It’s clear Celtic have something special brewing under Rodgers. After a shaky return to the club, the Northern Irishman seems to have re-energized his squad, and the fans are fully behind him again. “The players were absolutely sensational,” Rodgers said post-match, beaming with pride after what he called a “great night” at Paradise.
This was no ordinary win for Celtic in Europe. After years of struggling to make a mark in the Champions League, this emphatic victory felt like a turning point. The club had never won their opening game of the group stages before, but now, with the new format in place, they’re sitting pretty near the top of the standings.
Slovan Bratislava were always going to be underdogs, but even they might not have expected to be overrun like this. Celtic’s pace and intensity overwhelmed them from start to finish, with Engels, Kyogo, and Maeda all coming close to scoring multiple goals. In truth, the scoreline could have been even more lopsided.
Rodgers' men will face much tougher tests ahead, with Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta waiting in the wings. But this win will give them the confidence to believe they can compete against Europe’s elite. For now, Celtic fans can bask in the glow of a European night that felt like a long time coming.
While Slovan’s goal – a stunning strike from Wimmer – briefly quieted the party atmosphere, it was nothing more than a consolation. Celtic's response was swift, as they quickly put the game to bed, showing a ruthlessness that’s been missing in their previous European outings.
Rodgers knows this competition is where he’ll be judged, and this performance will go a long way in silencing the critics who have questioned Celtic’s ability to compete at this level. After just two wins in 18 Champions League games as Celtic boss, Rodgers needed this result, and his team delivered in style.
What’s most encouraging for Celtic is that this win wasn’t just about one or two standout players – it was a complete team performance. The defence, led by Scales and Alistair Johnston, was solid, while the midfield, orchestrated by Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate, controlled the game. Up front, the combination of Kyogo, Engels, and Maeda constantly threatened the Slovan backline.
There’s still a long road ahead, and Celtic will need to replicate this kind of form against tougher opposition if they want to make it out of the group. But after this commanding display, there’s a renewed sense of optimism at the club. European nights at Celtic Park always carry a special magic, and this one felt like the beginning of something exciting.
Next up: Borussia Dortmund away. It’s a much sterner test, but if Celtic can bring the same energy and quality to that match, they’ll be more than capable of causing an upset. For now, though, the Hoops can savour a perfect start to their Champions League journey.
