Celtic talents stun RB Leipzig in Germany to keep UEFA Youth League dreams alive

By John McGinley

October 5, 2022

Celtic U19s have picked up an impressive 2-1 away win against RB Leipzig to keep them in the hunt for progression from their UEFA Youth League group.

The Bhoys youngsters are in a four-team group that mirrors the senior competition and had started disappointingly after defeats to Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.

The pressure was on to pick up a positive result in Germany today, and they delivered thanks to goals from top talents Rocco Vata and Tsoanelo Letsosa.

Vata got the scoring underway early on, netting brilliantly on the volley from a corner. Letsosa then followed in a Ben Summers shot that was saved to make the advantage 2-0.

The chance of a third came before half-time after Adam Brooks was hauled down in the box and awarded the penalty. The young forward took the spot-kick himself but missed, giving the Germans hope of a comeback heading into the interval.

Max Voigt brought the home side back into things before the hour, firing past Tobi Oluwayemi from a set-piece situation.

Leipzig had other opportunities but were denied multiple times by the England U20s goalkeeper, who was in fine form to help secure the win.

The three points mean Celtic will have a chance to make it into the playoffs from the final three matches, with two of them coming at home to the Germans and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Second place guarantees that with the group winners heading straight into the last 16. The Bhoys will end the day in third place, with Real Madrid currently facing off against the Ukrainians.

Regardless of how it all plays out, congratulations to all the players, and coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea, for a fine victory today.

In other news, “No relevance to us”; Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou bats away media’s daft Rangers question.