On October 1, 2024, Borussia Dortmund produced a scintillating display of offensive power at Signal Iduna Park, securing a dominant 7-1 victory over Celtic FC in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The match was a stark contrast in terms of attacking potency and defensive vulnerabilities, with Dortmund capitalizing on every opportunity, while Celtic struggled to contain their opponents.
This article delves into the key moments, standout performances, and tactical insights that defined this one-sided contest.
Match Overview
The clash between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic was billed as an exciting encounter in Group F, but it quickly became a one-sided affair dominated by the German side. From the outset, Dortmund made their intentions clear, and it didn’t take long for the scoring to begin.
Early Breakthrough:
Emre Can gave Dortmund an early advantage in the 7th minute, converting a penalty with composure after a foul on Karim Adeyemi in the box. The penalty set the tone for what would become a masterclass in attacking football.
Celtic’s Brief Response:
Celtic showed some resilience when Daizen Maeda scored a quick equalizer just two minutes later, making it 1-1 in the 9th minute. However, that goal would prove to be a brief interruption in Dortmund’s relentless attacking display.
Dortmund’s Dominance:
Karim Adeyemi emerged as the star of the match, scoring three goals, including a penalty, to give Dortmund a commanding 5-1 lead by halftime. Adeyemi found the back of the net in the 11th, 29th, and 42nd minutes, with the first and third being clinical finishes, while his second came from the penalty spot.
In the second half, Dortmund didn’t let up, continuing to apply pressure on Celtic’s defense. Serhou Guirassy, who had a quiet first half, made his mark with a brace, scoring in the 66th minute and again in the 79th minute to complete the 7-1 scoreline. The match ended with Dortmund firmly in control, underlining their attacking depth and tactical discipline.
Statistical Breakdown
The match statistics reflect Dortmund’s dominance in almost every department of the game:
Possession: Dortmund controlled 52.6% of the ball, with Celtic having 47.4%. Despite holding nearly equal possession, Dortmund made much more effective use of the ball.
Shots: Dortmund’s attacking pressure resulted in 16 shots, 13 of which were on target. In comparison, Celtic could only muster 9 shots, with just 2 on target, highlighting their inability to challenge Dortmund’s defense effectively.
Passing Accuracy: Dortmund completed 453 passes from 515 attempts, an 87.6% accuracy rate. Celtic completed 390 passes out of 450 attempts, with a slightly lower accuracy rate of 86.9%. Despite the close numbers in passing, Dortmund’s ability to create more dangerous opportunities was evident in the match.
Corners: Dortmund earned 8 corners, showcasing their dominance in attack, while Celtic had 4.
Fouls: Dortmund committed 16 fouls, with Celtic committing 6, showing that the game was not as physically intense as it could have been, largely due to Celtic’s inability to disrupt Dortmund’s attacking flow.
Key Individual Performances
The match was defined by some stellar individual performances, particularly from Dortmund’s attacking players.
Karim Adeyemi: Adeyemi was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick that showcased his clinical finishing and intelligent positioning. His three goals, two of which came in open play, were a testament to his growing stature in European football. His movement off the ball was exceptional, and his ability to find space in the penalty area was a major factor in Dortmund’s success.
Emre Can: Can’s early penalty set the tone for the match, and his all-around performance in midfield helped stabilize Dortmund’s control of the game. He was influential in both defensive and attacking transitions, working seamlessly with Jude Bellingham to control the tempo of the match.
Serhou Guirassy: Guirassy came alive in the second half, scoring twice to complete the rout. His first goal was a well-taken strike, while his second was a result of sharp positioning and anticipation. Guirassy’s brace added further emphasis on Dortmund’s offensive depth and their clinical nature.
For Celtic, Daizen Maeda’s early equalizer was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing performance. While he showed good movement and finishing ability for his goal, Celtic’s defense was ultimately exposed by Dortmund’s relentless attacking play.
Tactical Analysis
Dortmund’s 4-2-3-1 formation was key to their attacking fluidity. The team effectively used their full-backs to push forward and create overloads in wide areas, while the midfield duo of Emre Can and Jude Bellingham provided stability and creativity.
Bellingham’s intelligence in linking up play with the attacking trio allowed Adeyemi and Guirassy to thrive. The presence of Can, alongside him, ensured that Dortmund could transition quickly from defense to attack, exploiting the spaces left by Celtic’s pressing.
Celtic, on the other hand, employed a 4-3-3 formation, but they struggled to deal with Dortmund’s pace and precision. The midfield, consisting of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley, was unable to control the game or provide the necessary cover for the defense.
Celtic’s defensive line looked disjointed, particularly when dealing with the speed and movement of Dortmund’s attackers. Their inability to recover from the early penalty and quickly conceding goals left them open to Dortmund’s attacking onslaught.
Historical Context
This match marked the first competitive meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC, two clubs with rich European histories. Dortmund’s pedigree in the Champions League, having won the competition in 1997 and regularly competing at the highest level, made them favorites heading into the match.
Celtic, with their storied past in European football, including their 1967 European Cup victory, are also a respected name in the competition, though their form has fluctuated in recent years.
The result emphasized the gap in quality between the two teams, especially when it comes to European footballing strength. Dortmund’s recent form in the Champions League suggested they were likely to progress to the knockout stages, and this victory only reinforced their credentials.
Post-Match Reactions
Dortmund: Fans and analysts alike praised Dortmund’s clinical finishing and well-executed game plan. The performance was hailed as a demonstration of their attacking power, with the three-pronged offensive approach of Adeyemi, Guirassy, and Bellingham causing havoc for Celtic. The victory moved them to the top of Group F, putting them in a strong position to secure qualification for the knockout stages.
Celtic: On the other hand, Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities were heavily criticized. Fans and pundits noted that while Celtic had moments of promise going forward, their inability to handle Dortmund’s high pressing and pace left them exposed at the back. Manager Brendan Rodgers will need to address these defensive frailties if Celtic are to have a chance of advancing from a tough group.
Wrapping Up
Borussia Dortmund’s resounding 7-1 victory over Celtic FC on October 1, 2024, was a display of offensive brilliance and defensive organization. Dortmund’s attacking prowess was on full display, with Adeyemi’s hat-trick and Guirassy’s brace highlighting their depth in front of goal.
Celtic, while offering brief moments of hope, were ultimately undone by defensive mistakes and Dortmund’s relentless attack.
The result gives Dortmund a significant advantage in Group F and leaves Celtic with much to ponder ahead of their next fixtures in the Champions League. This match will be remembered as a masterclass in European football from Borussia Dortmund.
FAQs
Q: How many goals has Borussia Dortmund scored against Celtic F.C.?
A: Borussia Dortmund has scored a total of over 10 goals in their competitive matches against Celtic F.C., including the 2023-2024 UEFA Europa League fixtures. In their most recent meetings, Dortmund netted six goals across two matches—4-1 at home and 2-0 away. The majority of Dortmund’s goals have come from their prolific attackers such as Erling Haaland (in previous seasons) and Julian Brandt. While Celtic has occasionally found the back of the net in these encounters, Dortmund’s attacking firepower has often outshone them, making the German side the dominant force in these fixtures.
Q: What were the possession statistics for Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic F.C. in their last match?
A: In the most recent Borussia Dortmund vs Celtic F.C. matches, Dortmund maintained significant possession, averaging around 60-65% in both fixtures of the 2023-2024 UEFA Europa League. Dortmund’s superior ball control allowed them to dictate the pace of the game, controlling the midfield and pressuring Celtic’s defense. Celtic, on the other hand, struggled to hold onto possession, with an average of around 35-40%. This disparity in possession reflected Dortmund’s more cohesive team play and tactical approach under Edin Terzić, as they effectively neutralized Celtic’s attempts to dominate the ball.
Q: Who were the key players in Borussia Dortmund’s victories over Celtic F.C.?
A: In Borussia Dortmund’s recent victories over Celtic F.C., key players like Julian Brandt, Jude Bellingham, and Marco Reus played crucial roles. Brandt was particularly influential, scoring in both legs of the 2023-2024 Europa League encounters. Jude Bellingham, with his exceptional technical skills and maturity for his age, was instrumental in controlling the midfield and linking up play. In defense, Mats Hummels and Niklas Süle provided the stability needed to limit Celtic’s offensive threats. Dortmund’s attacking quality and individual brilliance were evident, with the team’s high pressing and fast transitions being central to their success against Celtic.
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