“UEFA Recognition; this wasn’t expected” – Fans rejoice as TWO Celtic players are named as part of the Champions League Team of the Week after Outstanding performance from Celtic.

Celtic fans have plenty to celebrate after two of their standout players, Liam Scales and Arne Engels, were named in the Champions League Team of the Week following an impressive performance in the first round of the competition. Both players made significant contributions during Celtic’s resounding victory over SK Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park, a match that marked one of the club’s biggest results in the competition since the Champions League’s revamp in the 1990s.

Arne Engels: A Rising Star

Belgian midfielder Arne Engels was instrumental in Celtic’s dominant 3-0 victory, contributing both a goal and an assist. At just 21 years old, Engels became only the second player in Celtic’s history to score and assist in the same Champions League game, joining a small but elite group of Celtic legends. His assist came in the form of a perfectly placed cross for teammate Liam Scales, who headed home Celtic’s first goal of the match. Later, Engels coolly dispatched a penalty to secure Celtic’s third goal, marking his second goal in as many games.

UEFA recognized Engels’ outstanding performance, awarding him a rating of 9.2, placing him among the top performers in Europe for the week. This rating also made him the joint second-highest performer of the matchday, tied with Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, who similarly recorded a goal and an assist in his team’s win over RB Leipzig.

Engels’ ability to control the midfield, create opportunities for his teammates, and remain composed under pressure has made him a key figure in Celtic’s campaign this season. Signed as a record transfer during the summer, Engels has quickly proven his worth and is seen as one of the brightest young talents in European football.

Liam Scales: A Defensive Masterclass

Irish defender Liam Scales was the second Celtic player to earn a spot in the Champions League Team of the Week. Scales not only opened the scoring for Celtic with a well-timed header but also delivered a defensive performance that earned him widespread praise. Scales dominated the aerial battles and won more duels than any other player on the pitch, a critical factor in Celtic’s ability to keep a clean sheet against Slovan Bratislava.

Scales’ ability to neutralize the threat posed by Slovan Bratislava’s striker, David Strelec, was crucial in ensuring Celtic’s victory. Strelec, known for his pace and finishing, was kept quiet throughout the match, thanks largely to Scales’ defensive discipline and composure.

For his performance, Scales was awarded an 8.1 rating, a testament to his defensive prowess. He was placed in a back three alongside Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck in the Champions League Team of the Week. Scales’ inclusion in such elite company reflects his growing stature within the Celtic squad and his importance to the team’s defensive structure.

Celtic’s Bright Future in the Champions League

Celtic’s performance in the opening match of the Champions League group stage is being hailed as one of the club’s most significant results in recent years. Under manager Brendan Rodgers, the team has shown a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, and the inclusion of two Celtic players in the Team of the Week underscores the progress they have made.

The revamped Champions League format has given Celtic a fresh opportunity to make their mark on the European stage, and the team’s convincing 3-0 win over Slovan Bratislava sets a positive tone for the rest of the campaign. With Scales anchoring the defense and Engels driving the midfield, Celtic has the talent and depth to challenge some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Harry Kane Leads the Way in Matchday One

While Celtic’s stars shone brightly, the highest-rated player of the week was Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane. The English striker delivered a sensational performance, scoring four goals in Bayern’s emphatic 9-0 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb. Kane’s performance earned him a perfect 10 rating, making him the Player of the Week. Bayern’s dominance was on full display, and Kane’s four-goal haul is already being touted as one of the standout individual performances of the season.

Kane’s exploits aside, the inclusion of Celtic’s Scales and Engels in the Team of the Week demonstrates the quality of their performances, standing shoulder to shoulder with some of Europe’s finest players.

Team of the Week Lineup

The full UEFA Champions League Team of the Week for matchday one was a reflection of the standout performers across Europe. In addition to Scales and Engels, the team featured the likes of Manchester City’s Gvardiol and Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, both of whom played pivotal roles in their teams’ respective victories.

Here is the complete Team of the Week:

• Goalkeeper: Dmytro Riznyk (Shakhtar Donetsk) – 8.3
• Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 8.7, Liam Scales (Celtic) – 8.1, Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) – 8.0
• Midfielders: Arne Engels (Celtic) – 9.2, Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) – 8.7, Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) – 9.0
• Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) – 9.2, Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich) – 9.1, Michael Olise (Bayern Munich) – 8.5, Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) – 10

Celtic’s presence on this prestigious list is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. The team will be hoping to build on this momentum as they continue their Champions League campaign, with tough matches ahead, including a showdown with Dinamo Zagreb.

Challenges Ahead for Celtic

Despite their impressive start, Celtic is aware that tougher challenges lie ahead in the Champions League. Dinamo Zagreb, Celtic’s opponents in matchday six, will be looking to bounce back from their crushing defeat to Bayern Munich. The Croatian side, currently sitting third in their domestic league, responded to their heavy loss by sacking manager Sergej Jakirovic, and they will be desperate to salvage their European campaign.

Celtic, however, will not be fazed. With key players like Engels and Scales performing at their peak, and a newfound confidence under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic will be aiming to make a deep run in the competition. The Hoops are showing they belong on Europe’s biggest stage, and their fans can be optimistic about what lies ahead.

Conclusion

Celtic’s success in the opening match of the Champions League season has given the club and its supporters plenty to be excited about. The inclusion of Liam Scales and Arne Engels in the Champions League Team of the Week highlights the quality within the squad and the potential for further success as the tournament progresses. As Celtic prepares for the challenges ahead, they can take pride in knowing that they have the talent and determination to compete with Europe’s elite.