World media crowns ‘beautiful’ Celtic the Champions League dominator as Arne Engles has top billing over 'crying' Slovan

The 5-1 demolition of the Slovakian champions caught the attention across the globe

Celtic couldn't have dreamed of a better start to their Champions League campaign - and the world media were left purring over the dominant display.

Brendan Rodgers’ men threw down the gauntlet for their European campaign - and by the end it could have incredibly been even more emphatic than 5-1 and five different goalscorers saw off Slovan Bratislava. Liam Scales sent the Scottish champions on their way with an early header to open the scoring before Kyogo’s strike early in the second half doubled the lead. Arne Engels put the game beyond the Slovakian champions from the penalty spot.

Despite a consolation from Kevin Wimmer, Daizen Maeda added a fourth before substitute Adam Idah completed the romp with a late fifth. The win sent Celtic soaring into second place in the new 36-team league phase as they sit behind German giants Bayern Munich ahead of tough trips to Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta in their next two games - and has fans dreaming of a deep run in Europe's elite competition.

The display from the Scottish Premiership leaders earned rave reviews across the globe. Record Sport has all the views after Celtic's Champions League demolition job.

L'Equipe (France)

"Brendan Rodgers' men started the Champions League in the best way by winning largely against a Slovan Bratislava team limited and dominated in all areas of the game. Celtic took advantage of the opposing defensive generosity to score five goals. Brendan Rodgers' style was in the beautiful display this evening and showed total supremacy."

HLN (Belgium)

"In the match between Celtic and Slovan Bratislava, the home team achieved a clear victory. The Scots won after a dominant game with 5-1 and can thank Arne Engels for that. In the first half, the Red Devil provided the assist for the 1-0, in the second period he successfully converted a penalty. Not bad for your Champions League debut."

Sport Net (Slovakia)

"Slovan made his first appearance in the main stage of the Champions League, but he believed in a better performance. Against the hosts, who were driven by a full Celtic Park. Not good from Slovan. The atmosphere had them crying as they came out the tunnel and the Glasgow Celtic controlled the game.

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"It will be remembered for the goal but more is needed to prevent embarrassment again. They found it difficult to assert themselves and could not cope with their strong pressing and speed."

Kicker (Germany)

"For the first time since the 1992/93 season, Slovan Bratislava returned to the Champions League stage: The opening match was held in one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Europe, with the 54-time Scottish champions from the Scottish capital waiting for them at Celtic Park.

"As the game progressed the home team took more and more control and regularly created good chances. Ex-Augsburg player showed his new baseline with a goal and an assist on the night."

Marca (Spain)

"The first day of the Champions League has left us with a real monologue from Celtic against Slovan Bratislava at Celtic Park. The Scottish team was infinitely superior to the Slovaks, unrecognisable if we take into account that they arrived undefeated in the new group stage after an almost impeccable qualifying phase. However, on this occasion they were clearly outclassed, losing by a resounding 5-1 in a goal-scoring festival by the team managed by Brendan Rodgers."

Sporza (Belgium)

"Arne Engels is already worth his weight in gold for Celtic. He proved to be decisive for the Scottish champions twice against Slovan Bratislava with an assist and a goal from the penalty spot on his Champions League debut. Arne Engels is only the second Belgian ever to score a goal and an assist on his debut in the Champions League. Only Leandro Trossard did that before him."

iDNES (Slovakia)

"Celtic led by only one goal at halftime, but in the second half they were more than successful in terms of scoring. The Scottish team scored four times in it and deservedly went on to win the first Champions League of the year. On the other hand, it is a very bitter premiere for Slovan, and in a fortnight they will face a considerably tougher opponent, Manchester City."

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