Celtic 4 Motherwell 0 Boxing Day wait was worth it as Bhoys savour some home comforts Champions' first game at home on December 26 since 2010 ends in straightforward win over Motherwell Brendan Rodgers delighted as goals from Engels, Maeda, Kuhn and Hatate sweep the Steelmen aside at Parkhead Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By JOHN MCGARRY Published: 18:56, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 19:14, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments Having waited 14 years to host a game on Boxing Day, Celtic took just a little longer to demonstrate the benefits of staying at home around this time of year. For 44 minutes, Brendan Rodgers ’ side looked lethargic and lacking in inspiration. Another long struggle like the one they endured at Tannadice on Sunday was on the cards.
By the time the pies were being consumed at the interval, though, the benefits of the club’s summer splurge were evident. A cross from Paulo Bernardo led to a penalty which Arne Engels converted with aplomb. Celtic were rarely in danger thereafter.
As Rodgers piled on the substitutes, his players piled on the goals. Daizen Maeda, Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate pounced in short order. A testing afternoon turned into an extremely comfortable one.
Suggestions that Celtic’s labours on Tayside last time out were indicative of a wider malaise were put to bed. Arne Engels celebrates scoring the all-important opener from the penalty spot Engels slots home the spot-kick for Celtic just befor.
