PLAYER RATINGS | Celtic 3-1 RB Leipzig: A German inflicts more misery on a lax Leipzig | OneFootball

For the first time this season, RB Leipzig were tasked with bouncing back from a defeat in the Bundesliga whilst attempting to get their first win of the Champions League campaign. On a night of bonfires and fireworks in Glasgow, we were certainly treated to explosions and a heated affair. In the end, it was a German who lit-up the night sky but not the one many had their eye on. Your player ratings and match report from Celtic Park.

The Saxons had to deal with some early Celtic pressure before finally putting their stamp on the game midway through the first half. A bullet header from Christoph Baumgart left birthday boy Kasper Schmeichel picking the ball out of the net. However, when German Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn fired home a wicked curling effort 10 minutes before the break, the Celtic faithful found their voice.

On the strike of half time, Kühn got his second of the night and turned the tie on its head. Kühn  arrived in Scotland from Rapid Vienna last summer for just €3.5m – what a bargain he’s turning out to be. Leipzig’s defence was at sea having lost the ball on the edge of the box. Several times throughout the night Bitshiabu and Geertruida were caught on the ball on the edge of their own 18-year box and were lax in possession. Perhaps the roaring Celtic atmosphere had gotten to them?

The second half continued in similar fashion and as the clock ran down there was only one team playing football. With just under 20 minutes to play, Gulácsi spilt a cross and Hatate obliged to make it 3-1 to the Scottish champions.

Celtic looked comfortable after that and earned an impressive victory.

Leipzig face back-to-back defeats for the first time this season and have now lost their opening four Champions League games. That’s the first time a German team has failed to win their opening four Champions League matches for 16 years.

Up next for The Saxons is a home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

RB Leipzig:

Gulácsi (4) – In fairness, there was nothing he could do for the first two goals but the third was completely on him. If it wasn’t for Gulácsi, it could have been much worse for Leipzig tonight.

Geertruida (3) – Looked uncomfortable all evening and was robbed of the ball more than once in his own half.

Orban (3) – The captain failed to get his defence in order and will want to forget his night out in Glasgow.

Bitshiabu (3) – Similar to his other defenders, Bitshiabu looked like he was out in Glasgow the night before!

Henrichs (3) – Had his hands full this evening and was completely overrun. Henrichs and his fellow defenders will need a big reaction on the weekend.

Nusa (3) – A very quiet evening. Had a great chance in the first half but completely snatched at his shot as it sailed over the bar.

Haidara (4) – Had a good spell before his side went 1-0 up, but after the equaliser, he failed to stop wave after wave of attacks.

Kampl (4) – Possibly the better of all the Leipzig midfielders this evening, Kampl tried to rally the troops but to no avail. Again, completely overrun and afforded too much space to the Celtic midfield.

Baumgartner (5) – Scored the goal to open the scoring and had a decent shot saved when it was 2-1. Out of everyone tonight, Baumgartner can somewhat say they did just okay.

Šeško (3) – Almost non-existent this evening. Had a good shot from distance saved in the second half but that was as good as it got.

Openda (3) – Just like his strike partner, not at the races at all this evening and was easily dealt with by the Celtic defence.

Subs: Vandevoordt, Klostermann(-), Seiwald(3) , Ouedraogo (3), Gebel, Vermeeren, Elmas (3), Poulsen (3), Silva (3).

GGFN | Jamie Allen