Thu Sep 19 08:08:00 UTC 2024: ## Celtic Crush Slovan Bratislava in Champions League Opener

**GLASGOW** – Celtic kicked off their Champions League campaign with a resounding 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park, eclipsing their biggest ever group stage win.

Liam Scales opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a header from a corner, setting the tone for a dominant performance from the Scottish champions. Despite several missed opportunities in the first half, Celtic came out firing in the second, with goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda, and substitute Adam Idah securing the emphatic win.

Slovan, making their debut at this level of the Champions League, put up a fight, with Kevin Wimmer scoring a consolation goal in the 75th minute. However, Celtic’s intensity and attacking prowess proved too much for the Slovakian side.

Manager Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s “absolutely sensational” second half display, highlighting their hunger for goals and determination. “The players were absolutely sensational,” said Rodgers. “The mentality, hunger, greedy for goals, greedy for the ball – working right to the very end, and we could have had more than five.”

Slovan coach Vladimir Weiss acknowledged Celtic’s dominance, admitting that his team faced one of the best teams in the world. He commended Celtic’s intensity and praised the electrifying atmosphere at Celtic Park.

This victory marks a significant step for Celtic, who have struggled in recent Champions League campaigns. Rodgers’ team has shown a clear intent to make their mark on Europe’s elite competition, and this emphatic win will undoubtedly bolster their confidence moving forward.

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