Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi put on a dazzling display, netting a first-half hat-trick to lead the German side to a resounding 7-1 victory over Celtic in their Champions League group stage encounter. The match was a stark contrast in fortunes, with Dortmund showcasing their attacking prowess and Celtic struggling to contain the relentless pressure.
The Westfalenstadion crowd erupted in celebration early on when Emre Can converted a penalty in the 7th minute after Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was adjudged to have fouled Jamie Gittens. Celtic momentarily hushed the roaring Yellow Wall with a goal from Daizen Maeda in the 9th minute, but Adeyemi restored the lead just two minutes later with a deflected shot.
The German winger continued his sensational performance, adding two more goals before halftime, including a powerful strike past a helpless Schmeichel in the 29th minute. He then won a penalty in the 39th minute, which Serhou Guirassy converted to extend the lead to 4-1. Adeyemi completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute, leaving Celtic reeling and facing a mountain to climb.
The second half saw Dortmund continue their dominance with Guirassy scoring his second of the night in the 66th minute. Substitute Felix Nmecha rounded off the scoring in the 79th minute, adding insult to injury for Celtic.
The 7-1 scoreline was a devastating blow to Celtic, who arrived at the Westfalenstadion with hopes of securing a positive result. The heavy defeat saw them plummet from third to 19th in the Champions League standings, while Dortmund soared to the top of the table.
Adeyemi’s performance was not only impressive for its sheer goalscoring prowess but also for its historical significance. He became the first Dortmund player to score a first-half hat-trick in a European competition since 2002. His speed and precision were key in tearing apart the Celtic defense, leaving the travelling fans stunned.
The resounding victory was a testament to Dortmund’s attacking strength and their ability to capitalise on any opportunity. Celtic, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find a way to improve their defensive performance if they are to make any impact in this year’s Champions League.
