Premiership giants Celtic progressed to the second round of this season’s edition of the UEFA Champions League after thrashing Icelandic champions KR Reykjavik by a whopping 6-0 scoreline. The home side started the fixture in brilliant fashion, and it took them just six minutes to open the scoring through Mohamed Elyounoussi. It soon became clear that the Scottish side were about to hand the visitors a walloping, as the goals began to fly in.
Odsonne Edouard claimed a couple himself, while Christopher Jullien got in on the act in the first half as well. The Southampton loanee went on to double his lead in the second period, after Greg Taylor scored his first-ever goal since making the move to Parkhead. Neil Lennon would be quite pleased with the reaction that his team showed to all the controversy that has been ongoing over recent weeks. With the second round tie set up for next week, the Hoops can now focus their attention back onto defending their Scottish league title.
Here Are The Celtic Player Ratings Vs KR Reykjavik:
Celtic Player Ratings Vs KR Reykjavik
Vasilis Barkas – 7
Apart from one moment where he spilt a weak shot, the Greek stopper had a comfortable evening in between the sticks. Made some smart saves over the course of the ninety though.
Hatem Abd Elhamed – 8
The stand-in right-back put in a quite brilliant display down the flank for Lennon’s side. Defensively faultless and drove forward to provide two delectable assists over the ninety.
Nir Bitton – 7
The centre-half played a couple of loose passes in the first-half, but did an efficient job at the back for the most part. Was helped out by the fact that the fixture was dominated by the Celtic attackers.
Christopher Jullien – 8
The big centre-half put in a solid defensive shift, but had an even bigger impact in the final third of the pitch. Played a peach of a pass to find Elyounoussi before heading one in himself.
Greg Taylor – 8
The speedster bombarded forward on every opportunity and was even rewarded with his first-ever goal in a Celtic shirt. Headed the ball in at the near post right after the second half kicked off.
Scott Brown – 7.5
The skipper’s play was crucial for Neil Lennon’s side as he dictated the tempo of the game from his role in the Celtic engine room. Created multiple great sequences and tried to get forward at times as well.
Callum McGregor – 7.5
The midfielder was at the heart of every attacking move that this Celtic side produced over the tie. Linked up play effectively from his position in the core of the team and made some mazy runs too.
James Forrest – 7
The speedster wasn’t able to have his usual influence down the flanks, and was hence required to come inside on various occasions. Passed it around with confidence, but needs to be sharper.
Ryan Christie – 7.5
The attacking-midfielder was dangerous in possession as he had a couple of decent long-range strikes parried away by the Reykjavik stopper. Delivered a good corner for Jullien to head in as well.
Mohamed Elyounoussi – 9
The Southampton loanee had his best performance of the season so far on the flank as he ripped the away defence to shreds with his movement. Took the opener in supremely composed fashion.
Odsonne Edouard – 7.5
The Frenchman linked the ball up efficiently in attack as he held it up and brought the other attackers into the game. Moved the ball around well and scored the Celts’ fifth of the night in massive style.
Substitutes
Olivier Ntcham – 6.5
The midfielder was brought on in place of the skipper around the hour mark after the Hoops had already taken complete control of the game. Some neat attacking passes and tried to get forward too.
Albian Ajeti – 6
The Swiss forward didn’t have the time required to really get into the pace of the game. Picked up some good positions, but never really picked out in the box.
Patryk Klimala – 6.5
The attackers tried to impact the tie in any way he could, but found it very difficult to break through the deep Reykjavik defence in the late stages. Had his only shot blocked as well.
