Sport Nation 2Celtic’s recent 3-1 win against RB Leipzig in the Champions League was their best European result in over a decade, drawing comparisons to their historic win against FC Barcelona. The victory showcased an impressive performance from Celtic, marked not only by goals but by a dominant display that saw them outplay their Bundesliga opponents.
The standout performers were Nicolas Kuhn, who scored twice, and Reo Hatate, who added a third goal to seal the win. However, one of the most inspiring stories of the night came from defender Auston Trusty, who played through a painful ankle injury he sustained early in the game. Trusty’s determination and commitment to his team left a lasting impression on fans and teammates alike.
Trusty’s injury, a rolled ankle, would typically be enough to sideline a player. Yet, he was determined to stay on the field. He later credited the electrifying atmosphere and significance of the game as his motivation to keep going, despite the discomfort. “I rolled my ankle pretty bad, and it was hurting for the rest of the game. How did I get through it? Just the atmosphere,” Trusty told the Daily Record. “You play for these nights—you live for them. I was a little kid in my bedroom dreaming of playing on that field, in that environment. So, I wasn’t going to let a little ankle sprain bring me down.”
For Trusty, the match held personal significance. Having joined Celtic this season, he made his Champions League debut in an earlier game against Slovan Bratislava but only played for a few minutes. Starting the full game against RB Leipzig in front of the home crowd fulfilled a lifelong dream. “The whole night was amazing,” he added. “To start the game on Tuesday night and just be in there, in that mindset, was a dream come true. The games come so quick and fast here—that’s hard but also a blessing. I have such big, important games to play for a historic club, and in every game, you just want to give your all.”
Trusty’s resolve to play through his injury has resonated with fans, especially given the criticism he faced during his early performances at Celtic. Since then, he has shown steady improvement, particularly in recent games, including a clean-sheet performance in an away game against Atalanta in Bergamo. His partnership with fellow defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has also strengthened his confidence and allowed him to excel in the role he was brought in to play.
This victory over Leipzig not only boosts Celtic’s Champions League ambitions but also underscores their defensive depth. Manager Brendan Rodgers now has three reliable options at center-back, with Trusty, Carter-Vickers, and Liam Scales all performing at a high level. While Trusty’s commitment is commendable, Rodgers may decide to manage his minutes carefully moving forward, especially with a packed schedule ahead. Scales provides a solid backup option, should Trusty need time to recover fully from his ankle injury.
Celtic’s defensive improvements have been a welcome development for the club, which has often struggled with consistency in the backline. Rodgers’s challenge now will be to rotate his defenders effectively, ensuring that each player remains sharp and motivated. This newfound defensive stability could be key as Celtic competes on multiple fronts this season, both domestically and in Europe.
Celtic fans and pundits have noticed the positive shift in the team’s form and mentality, with many crediting Rodgers’s management and Trusty’s resilience as crucial factors. This victory has set a high bar for the team, and they will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their Champions League campaign.
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