Celtic put five past Slovan Bratislava in dream Champions League opening win

Los Celts produced a brilliant attacking display to begin their Champions League group stage campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park.

Ange Postecoglou’s side moved into an early lead when Reo Hatate fired home from the edge of the box after just 12 minutes, and Liel Abada doubled their advantage 10 minutes later with a powerful strike into the bottom corner.

Celtic continued to dominate possession and added a third goal just before half-time when Kyogo Furuhashi slid the ball past the Slovan goalkeeper at the near post following a cross from Jota. Sead Haksabanovic extended Celtic’s lead further in the 56th minute when he met Jota’s cross with a glancing header. The Scottish champions rounded off the scoring in the 83rd minute when Giorgos Giakoumakis converted a penalty after Haksabanovic had been fouled in the box. The result was a statement of intent from Celtic, who will now go into their next Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk full of confidence. It was an impressive performance from Celtic, who fully deserved their victory. They were clinical in attack and solid in defence, and they will now be hoping to continue their good form in their next Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.