Celtic start Champions League with five-goal victory over Slovan

Celtic dominated Slovan Bratislava at a jubilant Celtic Park, securing their first-ever win in a Champions League opener in commanding fashion.

In a rare instance where they entered a European fixture as favourites, Brendan Rodgers’ side delivered an energetic and composed display.

Liam Scales ignited the crowd in the 17th minute by heading in Arne Engels’ corner, and the Scottish champions created several more chances before halftime but couldn’t extend their lead.

Just two minutes into the second half, Kyogo Furuhashi steered Nicolas Kuhn’s powerful cross into the net, easing any nerves about missed opportunities.

Celtic continued to push, and Engels, impressive throughout, calmly converted a penalty after Alistair Johnston was fouled by Danylo Ihnatenko.

While Kevin Wimmer’s superb left-footed strike briefly interrupted the celebrations, Celtic quickly responded.

Reo Hatate set up Daizen Maeda to restore their three-goal advantage, and James Forrest then fed substitute Adam Idah to cap off a morale-boosting, much-needed win.

Celtic’s recent Champions League journey has been a tale of frustration, with their once-formidable home fortress becoming a distant memory, overshadowed by defensive struggles and a series of painful defeats.

Brendan Rodgers, despite overseeing domestic success, has faced criticism for his European record, having managed only two wins in 18 Champions League matches prior to this game.

This match offered a golden chance for Celtic to finally secure a win in their opening group stage fixture—something they’d failed to do in 12 previous attempts—against a less experienced Slovan Bratislava side making its debut at this level.

Rodgers expressed confidence ahead of the campaign, citing a successful summer transfer window and a strong start to the domestic season.

The pressure was on, but Celtic rose to the occasion with a commanding and fluid display that overwhelmed the Slovakian champions.

Record signing Arne Engels played a pivotal role, orchestrating play with precision and intensity, as Celtic moved the ball with purpose and speed while relentlessly pressing their opponents when out of possession.

Such was Celtic’s dominance that Engels, Kyogo, and Maeda all had opportunities to secure hat-tricks, with the team repeatedly cutting through Bratislava’s vulnerable defense.

With tougher challenges ahead—trips to Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta, and a home clash with RB Leipzig—Celtic’s task will only get more difficult.

However, this performance reignited the European spark at Celtic Park and positions them well to push for a spot in the play-off round of this revamped format, where finishing in the top 24 will extend their campaign.

Slovan’s debut in the Champions League proved to be a challenging experience. Vladimir Weiss’ team found themselves on the receiving end of what superior sides have often done to Celtic, as they struggled to handle their opponents’ intensity both on and off the ball.

There were some bright moments, particularly when former Tottenham midfielder Wimmer capitalized on Greg Taylor’s misjudged clearance to expertly place the ball in the top corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.

Weiss, who was cast as the pantomime villain due to his past as a Rangers forward, had a golden opportunity to equalize in the first half. However, in a manner reflective of Slovan’s overall performance, he hesitated too long, allowing his shot to be blocked.

In the end, Slovan appeared to be out of their depth at this level and are likely to struggle in their quest for points.