Celtic competed well against RB Leipzig for a large chunk of last night’s 3-1 defeat in the UEFA Champions League, and while that only added to the frustration of the loss for fans, German media outlets have recognised what the Bhoys were trying to do.
Süddeutsche Zeitung described Leipzig’s performance as the best of the season against a Scottish side who were “anything but hiding” from the off, taking the game to the home side.
The outlet was undoubtedly left entertained, noting Celtic’s burst of activity after the interval: “The second half was no less entertaining than the first. The two teams continued to duel, fighting enthusiastically for every metre and moving forward.
“Furuhashi crossed at the end to fellow Portuguese striker Jota, and the latter first loaded goalkeeper Blaswich and then stormed jubilantly to the corner flag. There he paused with a fist raised to the sky – in the style of the Black Panthers of the 60s.”
The newspaper concluded that “Celtic Park is a place where guests traditionally suffer”, suggesting next week could well see the tables turned on the Bundesliga outfit.
Stuttgarter Zeitung meanwhile noted the impact of the travelling support on the atmosphere of the game, impressed by the thousands who had travelled from Glasgow: “After a mistake in Leipzig’s build-up, Furuhashi appeared in the penalty area, crossed to Jota, who pushed the ball into the empty net. From then on, a party atmosphere prevailed in the visitors’ block, which was filled with 3000 fans. Leipzig did not deliver a quick mood killer.”
Another newspaper informed their readers of Celtic and Leipzig fans drinking together in bars both before and after the 90 minutes.
LKZ meanwhile felt the night was bittersweet for Leipzig, with their goalkeeping captain suffering a serious knee injury: “A real feeling of elation did not set in at RB Leipzig after the liberating victory against Celtic Glasgow. Rather, the thoughts after the first victory in the Champions League were with Peter Gulacsi. The Hungarian international footballer ruptured his cruciate ligament and will miss several months. A loss, both in sporting and human terms, that is almost impossible to compensate for.”
The outlet was another enamoured by the style of football on display from Celtic, stating that the Bhoys played “intensively” in a manner well “worth watching”.
Let’s see what the return match brings in Glasgow!
In other news, Real Madrid continue to do Celtic favours.
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