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World media reacts to Celtic 'redemption' at Aston Villa as Champions League spectacle forces grovelling Rodgers apology

It was a blockbuster Battle of Britain showdown as Aston Villa were pushed all the way by Celtic in a Champions League thriller.

But it was a nightmare start for the Scottish Premiership champions as Brendan Rodgers watched his side crumble in the Villa Park cauldron. However, Adam Idah pulled Celtic level before the break with a quick-fire double of his own after Villa passed up a host of chances. After half-time, Ollie Watkins then put the side in front - before passing up the chances to put the game out of Celtic’s reach from the penalty spot.

Auston Trusty was judged to have tripped the England international in the box. However, a slip saw the Arsenal target thump the ball well over the bar. The hosts wouldn’t be denied their fourth of the night, though as Dane Murray was robbed in the box by Rogers as he claimed his hat-trick. The youngster then rounded Kasper Schmeichel in injury time to round off a blockbuster night of action.

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It was a manic night of action that has got everyone talking. But what is the chat around the globe? Record Sport takes a look.

Kicker (Germany)

"Wow, what a game and what excitement! Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 and secured their place in the top 8 thanks to the results of the parallel games! They got off to a brilliant start with two goals in the first five minutes from Rogers and then had plenty of opportunities to increase their lead. But instead Celtic equalised themselves with a double strike from Idah before the break. After the break, the game was initially evenly balanced until Villa became more dominant again. Watkins put them in front again, but the drama continued.

"A few minutes later, the striker missed a penalty and wasted further good chances to decide the game. The home team had to wait until injury time before Rogers redeemed them with his third goal of the evening. But the redemption was not complete because Atalanta still played but ultimately could not get beyond a draw. Aston Villa has therefore qualified directly for the round of 16, while Celtic have to do a lap of honour."

L'Equipe (France)

"Aston Villa avoided a dangerous play-off by taking 8th place thanks to a crazy final match. Led by a great Morgan Rogers, Unai Emery's players controlled the second half and took advantage of the opponent's defensive errors to win and finish on a high note."

Voetbal Primeur (Belgium)

"As Aston Villa welcomed Celtic for this highly anticipated clash, Birmingham was buzzing with football excitement. This match not only brings together two celebrated teams, but also highlights the love of football, transforming the city into a hub of energy and passion for the sport.

"The football on the pitch reflected that atmosphere. Of all 36 clubs that started the final matchday of the Champions League competition phase on Wednesday, Aston Villa clearly made the strongest start. After 5 minutes, the English were already 2-0 up against Celtic. Morgan Rogers scored both goals. At Aston Villa, Youri Tielemans is in the starting line-up. Arne Engels started the game for the visitors."

AS (Spain)

"Crazy first half in which Aston Villa started in control thanks to two early goals from Rogers in two terrible defensive actions by Celtic. However, the English lowered their guard due to the large difference on the scoreboard and allowed the Scots to enter the game. Cash's injury affected the Birmingham team quite a bit and Celtic took advantage of it.

Morgan Rogers celebrates his hat trick -Credit:AP
Morgan Rogers celebrates his hat trick -Credit:AP

"Two combinations between Hatate and Idah turned into two goals to tie the score in just two minutes before halftime. The second half only had the local colour. The Aston Villa players looked for the goal from the first minute, but Schmeichel's great game thwarted all their options until Watkins beat the Dane. The Englishman missed a penalty, but in stoppage time he scored a hat-trick for Rogers with which he closed the game."

The Guardian (UK)

"Celtic stunned Villa after recovering from an early two-goal deficit to level but Ollie Watkins registered his first goal in the competition to nudge Villa in front and then missed a penalty to put the game to bed midway through the second half. Judging by the way Watkins celebrated his strike, he is here to stay. A smirking Watkins coolly jogged along the Holte End before clenching his fist and appearing to tap the crest on his chest, hours after the emergence of a shock bid from Arsenal."

Kicker (Germany)

"The Villains deservedly win the wild ride in Birmingham 4-2. Celtic resisted well, especially at the end of the first half, but ultimately had too few ideas on offence. Aston Villa is therefore directly qualified for the round of 16, Celtic - as expected - has to go to the play-offs. But Brendan Rodgers has earned an apology from German fans are the mockery following the Dortmund defeat."