Kuhn hits double as Celtic complete fine victory over RB Leipzig

Nicolas Kuhn hit a superb double as a slick Celtic side roared back in style from losing the opener to complete a rousing 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over RB Leipzig at Celtic Park.

Brendan Rodgers’ side secured a deserved victory against the Bundesliga’s second-placed side, who took the lead against the Scottish champions via a Christoph Baumgartner header on 23 minutes before being pushed back for large swathes of a frantic contest.

And it was a dominant Celtic who showed their fighting qualities and genuine class with two brilliant finishes from German winger Kuhn giving them the lead at half-time.

The Glasgow side finalised the win when Reo Hatate slammed home from close range on 72 minutes to seal a memorable evening and give his team seven points from their opening four group matches in European football’s premier event.

RB Leipzig remain pointless with this defeat following narrow losses to Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool.

This was Celtic’s most impressive result in the tournament since their 2-1 win over Barcelona in the 2012/13 group stage.

But while that famous victory was built on a stout defence, and clinical finishing, the success against RB Leipzig was a triumph for mature, attacking play. On Bonfire Night, Celtic were full of fireworks before 60,000 thrilled fans.

Indeed, the visitors were lucky to ship only three goals as their spirit and structure was dismantled by the attacking appetite of the home side, who will harbour serious notions of qualifying for the last 16 this season.

On this form, they are more than good enough to reach that destination. “A brilliant performance,” said manager Brendan Rodgers. “We were outstanding. To bring that energy to the game, I tip my hat to the players for their hunger and intensity. It was all-round very, very good.”

The former RB Leipzig winger produced a outstanding performance in scoring two wonderful goals, and almost netted a hat-trick early in the second half. He just shaded the outstanding Celtic captain Callum McGregor for the home side’s most influential player, with his pace and purpose a constant nuisance for the visiting defence.

“It’s what dreams are made of, even better to score against my old club,” said Kuhn on TNT Sports. “At home, everything is possible with our fans.”

Celtic: Schmeichel 8, Johnston 7, Carter-Vickers 6, Trusty 7, Taylor 7, McGregor 8, Hatate 8, Engels 7, Kuhn 9, Kyogo 7, Maeda 7 Subs: Scales 6, Idah 6, Valle 7, Yang 6, Bernardo 6

RB Leipzig: Gulacsi 6, Geertruida 6, Orban 7, Bitshiabu 6, Henrichs 6, Nusa 6, Haidara 6, Kampl 7, Baumgartner 7, Sesko 6, Openda 6 Subs: Elmas 6, Poulsen 6, Seiwald 6, Silva 6, Ouedraogo 6

23′ GOAL! CELTIC 0-1 RB LEIPZIG (BAUMGARTNER) And that is such an easy goal for the visiting side as Christoph Baumgartner arrives at the back post to head home from the Kampl corner. Poor goal to lose.

27′ GLORIOUS CHANCE FOR SECOND GOAL! Cameron Carter-Vickers all over the place at the first goal, and is almost beaten at the jump again as Willi Orban nods inches wide from the Kampl corner. Celtic being pushed back.

35′ GOAL! (KUHN) CELTIC 1-1 RB LEIPZIG Superb play from Kuhn as he accepts the pass from Engels. Cuts inside to send a lovely curling shot in off the post with the visiting keeper beaten from edge of box. It is 1-1 at Celtic Park.

38′ GLORIOUS CHANCE FOR CELTIC TO TAKE LEAD! A period of domination from the visiting side, but a second goal didn’t come for Leipzig and Celtic back in the ball game. Kuhn with a stunning through ball for Maeda, but he lifts the shot over the bar. Should have been 2-1.

45+1′ GOAL! (KUHN) CELTIC 2-1 RB LEIPZIG Celtic strike right on the stroke of half-time. So, so good from Celtic as Maeda can’t convert the Taylor cutback, but Kuhn arrives to slam the finish into the net. It is 2-1 to the home side.

74′ GOAL! (HATATE) CELTIC 3-1 RB LEIPZIG Brilliant surging play from McGregor. Johnson with the cross from out wide. Is spilled by goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and Hatate follows up to finish from close range. Celtic lead 3-1.

Celtic win a third straight home match in the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2007.

The former European Cup winners have scored nine goals so far, their joint most goals in a Champions League campaign in emulating the 2012/13 campaign.

It is also the most goals they have scored at Celtic Park in the elite tournament since 1979/80.