Celtic clipped Red Bull Leipzig’s wings – and happy Hoops on the Hotline believe their side is about to soar. Tuesday night’s 3-1 Champions League victory over the team flying high in the Bundesliga had fans crowing. And on this evidence they’re convinced they’ll soon be flocking to the knockout stages.
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, kicked off the celebrations saying: “That wasn’t just a fantastic result for Celtic, that was a technical master class. This team has quality throughout and dismantled a side who were top of the Bundesliga a few days ago. We played them off the park and our player valuation is now through the roof. Reo Hatate, Nicolas Kuhn and Arne Engels will go for £80m between them and nobody will want us in the play-offs.”
Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Celtic were totally dominant and in control against a team that’s only lost five goals all season in the German league. That’s a statement win there. The way we managed a two-goal lead and the performance of Callum McGregor in particular in that period of the game was absolutely magnificent.”
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, added: “ That must go down as the most memorable victory I’ve witnessed on a European night at Celtic Park since the famous Barcelona win. I certainly feared the worst after going behind but the resilience we showed in going on to take the scalp of the German giants was incredible. A special mention to McGregor for a world class performance in midfield.”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, gushed: “What a result and performance from Celtic, totally blowing away a top German team. Every player had to be at the top of their game and they finally took our domestic form on to the European stage. The milk in the Rangers fans’ cornflakes will taste sour as it’s the only thing they can mock us for and it’s well gone now.”
Meanwhile James Robertson, Alabama, called to say: “Kuhn was fantastic, Hatate outstanding. A team victory for sure, and I believe we will move on to the knockout stages. It’s great to be a Celtic fan!” Arrin Geddes, Irvine, said: “A great result but more than that, an incredible performance from Celtic against one of Germany’s best teams. Apart from a 15-minute spell the Hoops made Leipzig look very ordinary. A few of our Hotline regulars must have really enjoyed watching the coefficient rise.”
Charles Buchanan emailed: “What a brilliant display from the Bhoys. They were all brilliant. Especially Kuhn. And Trusty is first class now he is getting games under his belt.”
It wouldn’t have been a Hoopy Hotline celebration without a few digs at Rangers. Sean Beech, Hampshire, said: “You’ve got to feel sorry for Rangers fans. For so long they’ve clung to their delusion that Celtic’s performances in Europe somehow made them getting dominated domestically somehow palatable. Guessing they will be choking on their own mediocrity now.”
And Benjamin Clarke, Balornock, said: “Well Messers Flett, Lowe and Mullen, I hope you all watched Celtic destroy one of the best teams in Germany – no doubt it wasn’t the result you all wanted.”
On to other matters and Andy Halliday’s lack of celebration against Rangers on Sunday continued to stir criticism. Barrymore Barlow, Bowling, said: “Halliday was unprofessional and disrespectful to his club with his muted reaction to scoring. He was not a Rangers Icon, not like Larsson or Lampard who scored against Celtic and Chelsea after they left.”
And our own Hearts columnist was a target for some stick – from Leith. Funny that. Neil Renton claimed: “How dare former Hearts player Ryan Stevenson lump Hibs in with the Jambos in having a disappointing season. The Easter Road side are just giving everyone else a head start and it won’t be long before we’re moving up the league past the Gorgie side. By the end of the campaign Hibs will be so far in front of Hearts the tattooed pundit will be Cryin’ Stevenson.”