With 20 minutes remaining against RB Leipzig, Kasper Schmeichel made a crucial save, turning Christoph Baumgartner’s powerful volley around his left-hand post to keep his team ahead by a goal.
In the lead-up to Celtic’s recent European victory, Baumgartner had expressed his long-held dream of playing in such an iconic and historic stadium, eager to experience the electric atmosphere on matchday four of the UEFA Champions League.
Heading into the match, Leipzig were under significant pressure after three consecutive losses in the competition. The German side, second in the Bundesliga and boasting the league’s best defensive record, were expected to be a tough opponent, while Celtic, led by Brendan Rodgers, prepared for a challenging evening at Parkhead.
Baumgartner put Leipzig in front after 23 minutes, but it was Celtic’s Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate who turned the tide, with the home side clinching a 3-1 victory in what was undoubtedly their most complete European performance in over a decade.
Though Kuhn earned Man of the Match honors for his performance, Hatate also stood out, impressing with his vision, precise passing, and tactical discipline — qualities that were vital on such a prestigious European stage.
Schmeichel, whose role in keeping Celtic ahead was key, reflected on the importance of quick, two-touch play. “Against a team like Leipzig, who press so intensely, holding onto the ball for too long will see them closing in on you,” Schmeichel noted. “Reo has shown incredible skill and vision, but it wasn’t just him — everyone contributed to our success. Quick passes, intelligent movement, and using the space are essential.”
Another standout in the victory was Auston Trusty, who continued to impress since his summer transfer. Having replaced Liam Scales in the starting lineup, the 26-year-old American has grown into his role at the heart of the defence, showing courage and a proactive approach similar to his fellow countryman Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Trusty is still adapting to his new position, but Schmeichel praised the clarity of the team’s tactical system, which offers numerous options for players with the ball. “The most important thing is that the passer has options, but the receiver must take the ball cleanly,” Schmeichel explained. “Our system provides plenty of options, and with technically gifted players, we can keep the ball moving quickly and effectively, especially against high-pressing teams like Leipzig.”
The victory over Leipzig helped lift Celtic’s spirits after their disappointing result in Dortmund, with the fans celebrating as Depeche Mode’s *Just Can’t Get Enough* and Bobby McFerrin’s *Don’t Worry, Be Happy* echoed around the stadium. Celtic now have seven points from four Champions League matches, and with four games left, a total of 10 points should secure a spot in the knockout stages.
Schmeichel, who played a key role in helping Leicester reach the Champions League quarter-finals in 2017, dismissed any comparisons between that run and Celtic’s current ambitions. “Tuesday was a great experience, but we can’t get carried away,” he said. “It’s all about the next game. We can’t afford to drop our level for even a second.”
Looking ahead, Schmeichel knows that Kilmarnock will present a different kind of challenge, especially after Celtic’s dominant 6-0 win over Aberdeen in the League Cup semi-finals and their midweek European triumph. After that, Celtic face another international break before entering a busy run of fixtures.
Regardless of the result, Schmeichel adheres to his self-imposed “midnight rule.” He explained, “When you’re younger, you get caught up in emotions, but as you mature, you learn to control them. On the pitch, we need to be clinical and focused. Whether we win or lose, we have to deal with it, then move on and focus on the next match.”
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