Celtic Football Club has made its mark on European football once again, securing their place in the Champions League knockout stage following a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025. This win is particularly significant as it marks Celtic's first entry to the knockout stages of the competition since 2013.
Manager Brendan Rodgers expressed immense pride over his squad, noting how the team's growth and maturity were evident throughout the match. Celtic had stunningly three goals disallowed, alongside the agony of missing a first-half penalty, yet they persevered, with Young Boys’ captain Loris Benito eventually gifting them the victory as he scored an own goal late in the match.
Brendan Rodgers commented on the triumph, stating, "The players have stepped up. They’ve been absolutely superb over the course of these seven games," reflecting on their resilience throughout the tournament. His admiration for the squad is clear, especially as they have achieved three wins, three draws, and just one loss, accumulating 12 points overall. This consistency has brought them to the cusp of European achievement.
The history-making win was not just about the scoreboard, but was also about the character shown by Celtic. The match was marred with challenges; Young Boys put up intense resistance, making Celtic’s quest for goals arduous. Despite missing several clear-cut chances, including three goals disallowed for offside, the players maintained belief and persistence, which was rewarded at the 86th minute when the own goal sealed their fate.
Rodgers shared his excitement over the winning goal, emphasizing the moment of luck they deserved after countless near misses. He noted the pivotal role of midfielder Reo Hatate, who delivered the exceptional assist to Adam Idah, leading to the chaotic moment of the own goal. "The winning goal… we get a little bit of luck with the final finish, which we deserved," he said, acknowledging the team's first-half performance.
Supporting the defense thoroughly, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel proved his worth with fantastic saves, keeping the team resolute and giving them the confidence to push forward. Rodgers stated, "He’s been absolutely first class on and off the pitch for us. But in big moments he’s got those saves in him and is one of the best shot-stoppers in world football," praising Schmeichel's contract extension just days before the match.
The win not only qualifies them for the next round, it also instills hope for increasing success as they prepare for their next challenge against Aston Villa. Yet, as they relish this success, there remain undercurrents of speculation surrounding star striker Kyogo Furuhashi. Media reports suggest he may be making the switch to French side Rennes for around £9 million, stirring up concern among fans about his potential absence moving forward with such pivotal matches on the horizon.
When asked about this speculation after the match, Rodgers preferred to focus on the present, noting, “It’s about the team. We just have to recover and look at the game at Villa next.” The impending fixture against Villa looms significant as it could potentially propel Celtic even higher up the Champions League ranks, with the chance of securing one of the top eight positions still mathematically alive.
Celtic currently stands poised with momentum; the club and supporters celebrate what they now acknowledge as history being made once more. Rodgers remarked, "For the supporters, it’s an amazing night. And obviously for the club, it’s really good," cementing the joy felt within the Celtic community as they basked under the glory of this historical accomplishment.
Reflecting on his tenure as Celtic manager, Rodgers emphasized the resilience the team has shown, especially against those who criticized them. “There’s no doubt it is a challenge at this level, but the players have stepped up. They’ve been superb,” he reiterated, showcasing his commitment to pushing the squad and club as they aim to continue advancing at this elite level.
With confidence pulsing through the club's veins, Celtic look forward to their future, one filled with the hope of additional triumphs and growth on the European stage. This match and its outcomes will reverberate throughout the season as they continue their quest to reclaim their status as giants of European football.