Celtic’s Champions League dream begins in style with a thumping 5-1 Victory over Slovan Bratislava…
Scottish champions Celtic got off to a flying start in Europe with a statement Champions League win on Wednesday evening against the Slovakian Champions.
Brendan Rodgers’ side kicked off their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign in sensational fashion, delivering a commanding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava. With five different players finding the back of the net, the Bhoys made a resounding statement on match-day one, securing their first three points in the competition’s new league format.
The five Celtic goals came from everywhere, a defender, a midfielder a winger, a striker and a substitute and the Hoops were so dominant in the match that they could have doubles their score to hit double figures and actually outscore Bayern Munich who put nine past Dinamo Zagreb the night before.
It was a clinical performance in the East End of Glasgow as Celtic showcased their attacking depth as five players combined to dismantle their Slovakian opponents. Each goal reflected the team’s balanced and fluid approach, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi then Adam Idah leading the line. The emphatic win not only highlighted Celtic’s quality but also provided sports betting fans with a huge boost after predictions that Celtic could win by more than three goals against Slovan Bratislava. Now they will fancy Celtic’s chances as they seek to progress in football’s most prestigious club competition.
Brendan Rodgers’ men were in control from the outset, moving the ball fluidly and capitalising on key moments to exploit a vulnerable Bratislava defence. The 5-1 thrashing was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from a side determined to make its mark on the biggest stage in European football.
This year’s Champions League has introduced a new league phase, with teams playing eight games each in a single group of 36 clubs. The top 24 sides progress to the knockout rounds, but only those ranked 1st to 8th will secure an automatic place in the Round of 16. Clubs finishing 9th to 24th must battle through a two-legged tie to earn a spot in the last 16.
For Celtic, the goal is simple: secure a place in the top 24 to ensure they remain in European competition past Christmas. Under the new format, there is no safety net in the form of a drop to the Europa League, raising the stakes considerably.
Manager Brendan Rodgers made it clear weeks ago that his aim is to guide Celtic into the knockout stages. After this dominant opening performance, that objective seems more achievable than ever. With seven matches remaining, Celtic likely need just two more victories, or two wins and a draw, to secure a place in the top 24.
Home fixtures against Club Brugge and Young Boys will be pivotal, with Rodgers eyeing maximum points in these games. On the road, avoiding defeat against Dinamo Zagreb could be crucial, while upcoming matches against heavyweights like Atalanta, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Aston Villa will provide sterner tests. Yet in the summer Celtic played the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea and won both matches – 4-3 against the English Champions and 4-1 against their London rivals.
Though challenges remain, Celtic’s strong start suggests they are now more than capable of competing at this level. The squad’s confidence is soaring after the Bratislava victory, and the Bhoys will look to carry this momentum into the coming months. The path to the knockout rounds is still long, but with a solid start and a favorable draw in some matches, Celtic’s European dream is well within reach.
An exciting Champions League journey awaits the Glasgow side, with fans hoping this campaign could see them push beyond their recent limitations and truly make an impact on the continental stage.
