BRENDAN RODGERS hailed Celtic’s comeback victory over RB Leipzig as his greatest Euro win as Hoops boss.
Nicolas Kuhn scored twice against the Bundesliga outfit with Reo Hatate sealing the win.
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It’s now seven points from four games for Rodgers’ side.
And he says it’s his most significant Champions League result.
Rodgers said: “I think in terms of the level of opponent, yes,
“I would say it actually wasn’t just about the result but the performance too.
“I think we played the game with a great charisma and confidence.
“We showed we want to play with the courage in our pressing.
“They’ve only conceded five goals all season so to play to that level was brilliant.
“We’ve had some really good results but that definitely would be the best one.
“I felt tonight we had that combination of the Bratislava vibrancy and excitement in attack, and then the real tactical discipline in our defending.
“I think the players have been exceptional since the Dortmund game.
“It was probably the first time in seven months we spoke around dealing with setbacks.
“Obviously for a team like ourselves there’s a big learning, there has to be a big learning within that.
“But the players showed incredible humility and we didn’t want to be bitter about it, we wanted to be better.
“We couldn’t let that game define us.
“It was just about talking through where it went wrong and how we can be better.
“Our second goal tonight really pleased me because you have to have that real courage to press against a team that have so much speed if they break that press.”
Kuhn starred for the Leipzig’s Under-16s youth team as a kid and he delivered an outstanding performance against his old club.
How they rated
KASPER SCHMEICHEL: Marked 38th birthday by picking ball out of net after 24 minutes. Helpless. Denied Openda. Passes like a pitching wedge. Great saves from Sesko, Baumgartner…8
ALISTAIR JOHNSTON: Free-scoring right-back played part in build up to Kuhn equaliser with measured pass. Close range shot saved. Then his cross was spilled for Celtic’s third…8
CAMERON CARTER-VICKERS: The USA star’s presence back in defence is such a comfort for the Hoops but was at fault for opener with poor header. Dove-tailed well with Trusty. Subbed…7
AUSTON TRUSTY: Tenth straight start, looking now to be first choice ahead of Scales. Landed badly on ankle, took time to shake off. But powerful, resolute defending, excellent in air…8
GREG TAYLOR: Turned 27 and was gifted a place back in the side to indicate he’s still first choice ahead of the emerging Valle. Tremendous cut-back for Kuhn strike. Subbed…7
CALLUM MCGREGOR: 98th Euro tie for the skipper and was one of calmest players on pitch. Occasional poor pass but simply makes Hoops tick. Dig, drive, desire…8
ARNE ENGELS: Childhood pal Lois Openda was a direct rival. Magnificent pass assist for Kuhn. The £11 million man once more looked at home on this stage. Great work-rate, ability. Subbed…8
REO HATATE: Superb composure and weighted pass for Taylor to dart in and cross for goal. Such a silky midfielder. Excelled at finding space. Several decent shots before a tap in…8
KYOGO FURUHASHI: Looked set to score after 47 seconds until shot blocked. Tireless with his running, dragging defenders all over place. Unselfish, intelligent performer. Subbed…7
DAIZEN MAEDA: Celtic’s top scorer but was kicking himself after blowing a great first half chance, firing well over. Constant danger for Leipzig defence. One of best out-balls on planet…8
NICOLAS KUHN: What a season ex-Leipzig youth’s having. Magnificent eighth, ninth goals of season, effortlessly curling home left foot shot, then clinical tap-in. Subbed, standing ovation…9
SUBS: Alex Valle (6) came on for Taylor, found feet immediately; Paulo Bernardo (6) replaced Engels, brought fresh energy, vision; Hyun-jun Yang (5) worked well; Liam Scales (5) seamless at back; Adam Idah (3) closing stages.
Rodgers added: “He’s still young so he still has more to go.
“I actually thought his pressing could have been better tonight.
“But he’s just learning and developing all the time we’ve seen his talent by bringing him here.
“It was just about making more goal contributions and being more robust.
“But I thought it was really exciting tonight when he had the ball and obviously getting the two goals its great for him, especially having worked at Red Bull Leipzig before as a young player. To score and make that contribution was nice for him.”
Rodgers also picked out scorer Hatate for special praise, adding: “I thought he was brilliant.
“I’ve got to say, he was so good in the game and it all comes from his work rate.
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“He was aggressive, he was getting inside the pressure, and I think with Raeo when he’s pushing and pressing like that then his football comes alive.
“He did that at the weekend against Aberdeen and it’s just continuing.
“I thought he was exceptional tonight.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Leipzig boss Marco Rose groaned: “If you miss chances to score a second goal then it can get difficult here with this atmosphere.
“They are a really good team with a top coach. It’s disappointing for us.”
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