Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers celebrated his team’s “fantastic” 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock, commending his players for rising to the challenge of a tough match. Kilmarnock fired 18 shots at goal, with Kasper Schmeichel making key saves, and Marley Watkins hitting the post for the home side at Rugby Park.
Despite the pressure, Celtic secured the win with goals from Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn. McGregor’s cross found the far corner in first-half stoppage time, while Kuhn’s speed and finishing skill in the 71st minute clinched the game, putting Celtic at the top of the William Hill Premiership on goal difference ahead of Aberdeen.
Rodgers noted this performance differed from recent wins over Aberdeen and RB Leipzig, requiring resilience against Kilmarnock’s physical, direct style. “It was a brilliant win for us,” he said. “This was never going to be like last Saturday or Tuesday. Kilmarnock is very direct, and you have to fight. The players showed a different side and deserve huge credit.”
Kuhn, with 10 goals and 11 assists this season, also assisted McGregor’s opener. Rodgers praised Kuhn, saying, “He’s adding numbers to his game, which is key for our attacking players. It’s brilliant, and that’s his role.”
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes expressed disappointment at the result but was proud of his team’s effort, commending their competitiveness and physicality. “It’s not just about stopping Celtic; we also had to take our chances. We had more touches and shots in their box but fell just short with those opportunities.”
Teams:
- Kilmarnock: McCrorie, Mayo, Wright, Ndaba, Deas, Lyons, Donnelly (Mackay-Steven 86), Watson (McKenzie 75), Kennedy (Murray 75), Vassell (Cameron 46), Watkins (Anderson 76). Subs Not Used: O’Hara, Burroughs, Polworth, Bainbridge.
- Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston (Ralston 73), Trusty, Scales, Taylor, Engels (Furuhashi 63), McGregor, Hatate (McCowan 85), Kuhn (Forrest 74), Idah (Bernardo 63), Maeda. Subs Not Used: Sinisalo, Valle, Yang, Welsh.
Referee: Nick Walsh (Scotland).
Man of the Match: Nicolas Kuhn
Match Rating: 6/10
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