BRENDAN RODGERS praised his Celtic players for bringing their “identity to the game” as they overpowered RB Leipzig 2-1 in an enthralling Europa League Group B confrontation at Parkhead last night.
The Hoops led with an early strike from Kieran Tierney, but that was wiped out by the Bundesliga giants’ leveller in the 77th minute.
Sensationally, Rodgers saw his players respond within FOURTEEN SECONDS as Odsonne Edouard knocked in the winner after some mesmerising interplay immediately following the restart.
The Irishman enthused: “It was a proper win for us.
“Everyone knows the level that Leipzig are playing at week in, week out, and where they sit in their domestic league. We saw over there what a good side they are.
“But everyone involved with Celtic deserves a huge amount of credit. The players were outstanding. I think we brought our true face to the game tonight in terms of how we’ve been playing and with our pressing.
“We brought our identity to the game.”
Facing a team that had lost only one league game this season – against Borussia Dortmund – Rodgers added: “The players knew they had to work hard defensively.
“They were aggressive, fought for every ball and then they showed the quality when they had it.
“It was a fantastic three points for us.”
The champions now travel to Trondheim to face Rosenborg on November 29 before wrapping up the group with a home encounter with leaders RB Salzburg in the east end of Glasgow on December 13.
The Austrians overcame the Norwegians 5-2 last night and sit on top of the table with a perfect 12 points after four games.
Rodgers’ men are equal with RB Leipzig on six in their quest to be involved in European football after the turn of the year.
