Celtic took on RB Leipzig at Park Head knowing they needed a positive result to keep their hopes of staying in Europe alive and they put in a big performance for the home crowd by securing a hard-fought 2-1 win.
The German side dominated the first ten minutes, but the Hoops soon got into their element and took the game by the scruff of the neck from there onwards. They played with intensity and purpose, and it was quite a different game from the earlier leg where Leipzig ran out 2-0 winners. Kieran Tierney scored the opener after some good work from James Forrest down the right. The Hoops limited Leipzig well as the German side failed to carve out any clear-cut chances in the first half and Rodgers’ side deservedly went into halftime with the lead.
The Bundesliga outfit looked much more threatening in the second half as they tested Gordon with some routine saves. However, as the game went on, they established a firm foothold on the proceedings and finally got their reward when Jean Kevin Augustin headed in the equaliser. However, the manager would have been livid to see them concede straightaway after the equaliser. Kevin Kampl’s two misses deep into the game could come back to haunt them later.
Here is how the Bhoys players fared on the night.
Craig Gordon 7
Saved everything that came his way. Was brave on quite a few occasions. Couldn’t have done much for the goal he conceded.
Mikael Lustig 5
The weakest link in the team was the captain as he was defensively vulnerable. With no real alternative, Rodgers will have to continue him in the right-back spot.
Dedryck Boyata 7
Can be harshly blamed for the goal which the Hoops conceded but one has to give it to the opponent as the cross put in for the goal was just outstanding. Apart from that moment, looked very much in control at the back and marshalled his troops well.
Filip Benkovic 8
Hardly put a foot wrong throughout the game. Was often calm under pressure when in possession. Cleared quite a few crosses and his ability to read the game stood out.
Kieran Tierney 9
A champion performance from the youngster who stepped it up on the big night. Was relentless in his forward runs throughout the game. Drove forward with purpose and scored a good goal in the first half. Defensively was solid and left his everything on the pitch. Man of the match performance in short.
Callum McGregor 6.5
Usually used to playing in the attacking third but he spent a lot of this game harrowing and chasing Leipzig players. Did a decent job overall in the middle of the park.
Ryan Christie 7
Has only got his chances because of injuries in the team and what a turnaround Christie has made. Assisted the second goal by serving the ball into Edouard’s path. His commitment and desire were there for everyone to see.
Scott Sinclair 6
Had one great chance early in the second half when he was one on one with the goalkeeper. Worked tirelessly but Rodgers would want him to be more clinical in the final third.
Tom Rogic 6
The Australian could have been sharper in the final third. However, did a fine job overall and put in a big shift.
James Forrest 8
Assisted the first goal by beating his man down the right. His directness and pace caused a lot of problems to the German side.
Odsonne Edouard 8
Did everything which Rodgers could ask from his striker. Was physically dominant, made some lung-bursting runs and in the end, scored the winner by being in the right place at the right time.
Substitutes
Youssouf Mulumbu 5
Saw out the game in the end.
Kristoffer Ajer N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
