Celtic kicked off the 2020/21 European campaign with a 6-0 thumping of Icelandic side KR Reykjavik.
The Bhoys couldn’t really have asked for a better start coming straight out the blocks, scoring after just six minutes.
A beautifully weighted long-ball over the top by Christopher Jullien, found winger Mohamed Elyounoussi. His first touch was able to round Reykjavik number one Beitir Olafsson, leaving him an empty net to tap the ball home into.
Just over 10 minutes later, Celtic were able to double their lead. After some nice build up play on the right-hand side, a killer pass by midfielder Ryan Christie, found Hatem Elhamed on the edge of the box. His low cross was headed for Odsonne Edouard but came off Icelandic defender Adalsteinsson and went into the back of the net.
A third was added on the half-hour mark all but killing off the tie. This time, it came from Jullien himself from a corner. The Frenchman is usually a nightmare to deal with and that was the case with this goal. The 6 ft 5 defender easily lost his man and thundered home his header into the top corner.
The Scottish champions started the first-half as they did the second, in quick fashion grabbing the fourth of the game just 40 seconds into the half. It came through a bit more of an unnatural outlet this time though, as Greg Taylor was able to score his first goal for the club.
Some more good play in the final third involving Christie, Elhamed and James Forrest this time, saw the Israeli gain a huge amount of space on the right-hand side. His high cross to the back post, unusually found the head of one of the smallest players on the pitch, in Greg Taylor who had an easy finish from a couple of yards out.
It couldn’t a Celtic thrashing without main man Odsonne Edouard getting on the scoresheet. As he was about to be substituted, Edouard picked up the ball and attempted to drive towards goal. The Celtic number 22 somehow found his way one-on-one with the Reykjavik goalkeeper, despite having four defenders surrounding him. The unbelievable footwork allowed him to find space and tuck the ball underneath Olafsson in net.
To round off the game, Norwegian Mohamed Elyounoussi was able to finish what he started, scoring the sixth and final goal of the match. Elyounoussi’ s goal was made simpler by a brilliantly threaded through-ball from Oliver Ntcham. All Moi had to do was connect with the ball and it would end up in the back of the net, and that’s exactly what he did.
The Hoops will now move on to the next round of Champions League qualifying, in which they will face, either Hungarian side Ferencvaros or Swedish champions Djurgarden, at Parkhead next week.
Player Ratings
Vasilis Barkas-6
This was another game where the new Celtic number one did not have too much to do. Early on in the game his distribution was good and he was able to start a number of Celtic attacks.
When called upon, Barkas looked comfortable at stopping shots that came his way. The best of which coming late in the first-half, as the Greek keeper was forced to palm a shot wide before collecting once again.
Certainly, be more testing games to come where we can judge him better in the next few weeks
Hatem Elhamed-8
Ever since the Israeli right-back has joined the club he has looked a solid addition and that was no different tonight.
Played a hand in two of the goals, with good crosses into the box, causing trouble for the Reykjavik defence. Showed he is capable of going both back and forward once again. Very composed in possession.
All that Elhamed needs to worry about is staying fit, as he could definitely be a crucial player this season.
Christopher Jullien-7
Recovered well from his last outing 10 days ago against Kilmarnock in the league.
Showed both brilliant passing ability and vision to spot the run of Elyounoussi, to play his part in the first goal. Lost his man and scored a thunderous header to score the third in the game. Wasn’t tested too much at the back, but again dealt with anything that came his way.
This is much better from the Frenchman and what we except after he set exceptional standards due to his performances last season.
Nir Bitton- 6
A bit of a shock that Bitton was in the starting 11 ahead of Ajer but more than capable as he has shown at this level.
His usual composed self, helping transition from back to front with his calmness and passing ability.
Another one who could be of massive use to the squad with his versatility just needs to keep injury free though.
Greg Taylor-7
A solid showing by the left-back this evening. Grabbed his first goal for the club with an uncharacteristic, header from inside the box.
Put several good crosses into the box. Still looks to come back without taking on his man on certain occasions. Made some good runs out wide to create space though.
It is certain the club will be looking to bring in another left-back. This should only bring out the best in Taylor.
Scott Brown- 7
Another player who put in a much better performance than we have seen so far this season.
Put himself about in midfield, kept things connect from defence to midfield. Was replaced after 63 minutes for Oliver Ntcham.
Hopefully, a week on the training field has done him some good as he looked back to his reliable self this evening.
Callum McGregor- 8
Seems to put in this sort of performance every game he plays. Consistently on the move, creating space for others and playing some lovely through balls down the left.
Occupies the left-half space of the field brilliantly and is often the driving force for anything that happens down that side.
Really is an excellent player who keeps this side ticking over.
Ryan Christie- 7
The attacking midfielder brought out more of his creative side tonight. Played some good crosses into the box including the corner in which Christopher Jullien was to score.
Presses opposition defenders non-stop and must be an absolute nightmare to play against.
Seem to link up down the right as McGregor did down the left, having a good connection with Hatem Elhamed.
James Forrest- 6
A player who has still to get going this season. Showed flashes when taking on his man and putting crosses into the box in the first half.
His pace has the ability to frighten defenders but hasn’t used it enough recently.
Played a hand in the fourth goal with a nice disguised pass to Elhamed on the right-wing.
Mohamed Elyounoussi- 9
Opened and closed the scoring in a performance we have been waiting for from Elyounoussi. Clearly has ability to be such a hassle to defences and really showed that in this game.
His movement must be incredibly tough to handle with the Norwegian being on the move all the time. Makes runs you wouldn’t always see from a winger and confuses full-backs at times.
A double, which could kickstart his season as a crucial cog in this Celtic attacking force.
Odsonne Edouard- 9
The Frenchman will probably be gutted he could grab at least a brace in this game after his chances in the first-half.
That being said it was another brilliant performance from Edouard. Helped to link things up, at times dropping deep to become involved in a number 10 position.
Topped his performance off with an unbelievable solo goal which saw him beat four defenders with tidy foot-work before slotting the ball home.
Substitutes
Oliver Ntcham- 3
Came on for 30 minutes and yet again showed why he should be in contention for a starting place in the time.
His range of passing was shown with his assist in the dying minutes, for Mohamed Elyounoussi that not many players in the squad would be able to see.
Albian Ajeti- 3
The new signing made his debut coming on alongside Patryk Klimala after joining from West Ham, late last week.
Failed to really have an impact on the game but not to blame, with little training and match sharpness under his belt. More to come from the Swiss striker.
Patryk Klimala- 3
The Polish striker has started the season well and was rewarded with some time on the pitch during a Champions League qualifier.
Again, similar to Ajeti didn’t really have an impact on the game being introduced late on as the Hoops changed formation.
Has earned these minutes with hard work and hopefully continues to do so.
