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Celtic's Slovan Bratislava mauling gets world media treatment as 'beautiful' Hoops leave foes 'crying'

Celtic fans ramped up the atmosphere and spooked Slovan
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


It was as comfortable and entertaining as Celtic could have hoped for last night as they swept Slovan Bratislava aside with the ease of a Scottish Cup tie against League One opposition.

Brendan Rodgers' men put on a show and battered their League Phase foes 5-1 with five different scorers in Liam Scales, Kyogo, Arne Engels, Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah. Celts looked like they might score every time they ventured over the halfway line and but for a Kevin Wimmer stunner up the other end it would've been even more comprehensive.

All eyes were on the Hoops in front of their packed house with the atmosphere rightfully earning plaudits around Europe, as it so often has done. And various news publications had their say on the victory with "beautiful" Celtic smashing Slovan to go second in the table behind only Bayern Munich on matchday one. Football Scotland picked out a few of the excerpts from the world media's takes...

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Marca (Spain)

"The first day of the Champions League has left us with a real monologue from Celtic against Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park. The Scottish team was infinitely superior to the Slovaks, unrecognisable if we take into account that they arrived undefeated in the new group stage after an almost impeccable qualifying phase. However, on this occasion they were clearly outclassed, losing by a resounding 5-1 in a goal-scoring festival by the team managed by Brendan Rodgers."

Kicker (Germany)

"For the first time since the 1992/93 season, Slovan Bratislava returned to the Champions League stage: The opening match was held in one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Europe, with the 54-time Scottish champions from the Scottish capital waiting for them at Celtic Park.

"As the game progressed the home team took more and more control and regularly created good chances. Ex-Augsburg player showed his new baseline with a goal and an assist on the night."

L'Equipe (France)

"Brendan Rodgers' men started the Champions League in the best way by winning largely against a Slovan Bratislava team limited and dominated in all areas of the game. Celtic took advantage of the opposing defensive generosity to score five goals. Brendan Rodgers' style was in the beautiful display this evening and showed total supremacy."

Sport Net (Slovakia)

"Slovan made his first appearance in the main stage of the Champions League, but he believed in a better performance. Against the hosts, who were driven by a full Celtic Park. Not good from Slovan. The atmosphere had them crying as they came out the tunnel and the Glasgow Celtic controlled the game. It will be remembered for the goal but more is needed to prevent embarrassment again. They found it difficult to assert themselves and could not cope with their strong pressing and speed."

HLN (Belgium)

"In the match between Celtic and Slovan Bratislava, the home team achieved a clear victory. The Scots won after a dominant game with 5-1 and can thank Arne Engels for that. In the first half, the Red Devil provided the assist for the 1-0, in the second period he successfully converted a penalty. Not bad for your Champions League debut."