In a commanding 4-1 victory on January 11, 2025, Celtic FC triumphed over Ross County FC at the Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall, reinforcing their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership standings.
This dominant performance underscored Celtic’s superiority in Scottish football as they continued their pursuit of the league title.
Match Overview
The match began with both teams keen to impose their style of play, but Celtic quickly asserted themselves as the dominant force. Known for their attacking prowess, Celtic wasted no time in taking control, with fluid passing and effective pressing putting pressure on Ross County.
The hosts, playing in front of their home crowd, sought to counter Celtic’s advances by utilizing the familiarity of their pitch and trying to exploit any spaces left by the visitors’ attacking style.
Celtic’s Starting Lineup
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers selected a 4-3-3 formation for this encounter, which allowed his team to focus on both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. The starting lineup was as follows:
Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel
Defenders: Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Alex Valle
Midfielders: Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor (captain), Arne Engels
Forwards: Hyun-jun, Adam Idah, Kyogo Furuhashi
This lineup blended a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, all tasked with maintaining Celtic’s unbeaten streak in the league.
Ross County’s Starting Lineup
Ross County’s manager opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a compact defensive structure and the ability to hit Celtic on the break. The team lineup was as follows:
Goalkeeper: Prince Amissah
Defenders: Josh Brown, Dylan Smith, Jack Baldwin, Ben Purrington
Midfielders: Jordan Tillson, David Cancola, Owura Edwards, Yan Dhanda, Kazeem Olaigbe
Forward: Jordan White
This approach aimed to provide defensive resilience, while hoping to exploit any mistakes by Celtic, especially through quick counter-attacks.
Key Moments of the Match
From the outset, Celtic’s attacking play was evident, with the visitors dominating possession and creating several early opportunities. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 15th minute when Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring. The goal came from a defensive lapse by Ross County, where Furuhashi capitalized on a loose ball and slotted it past goalkeeper Prince Amissah.
Despite going behind, Ross County responded well and tried to get back into the match. Their resilience paid off just before halftime in the 43rd minute when Jordan White earned a penalty. White calmly converted the spot-kick, leveling the score and giving Ross County a glimmer of hope going into the break.
The second half saw Celtic reassert their dominance. In the 60th minute, Adam Idah put Celtic back in front with a well-placed shot after a brilliant team move. The visitors’ confidence grew as they pressed further, and in the 75th minute, Hyun-jun added another goal to the tally with a precise finish after a quick exchange of passes. Just seven minutes later, Hyun-jun completed his brace, sealing the victory with a well-taken strike, making it 4-1 to Celtic.
Tactical Analysis
Celtic’s 4-3-3 formation allowed them to dominate possession throughout the match. The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Arne Engels was instrumental in controlling the tempo of the game, seamlessly transitioning from defense to attack. McGregor, in particular, was key in dictating the pace, while Hatate’s creativity and Engels’ physicality provided a balanced midfield unit.
The forward line, featuring Kyogo Furuhashi, Adam Idah, and Hyun-jun, worked tirelessly to stretch Ross County’s defense. Their movement off the ball was exceptional, creating numerous chances and pulling the County defenders out of shape. Celtic’s high press and relentless attacking style eventually overwhelmed Ross County, leading to defensive errors and clinical goals.
Ross County’s 4-2-3-1 setup was focused on providing defensive stability. Midfielders Jordan Tillson and David Cancola were tasked with shielding the back four, while Owura Edwards, Yan Dhanda, and Kazeem Olaigbe provided outlets for quick counters. While their defensive structure was somewhat effective in the first half, the relentless attacking pressure from Celtic in the second period proved too much for Ross County, resulting in defensive lapses that were ruthlessly punished.
Post-Match Reactions
Brendan Rodgers was pleased with his team’s performance, particularly their ability to recover after conceding the penalty just before halftime. He praised the players’ resilience, tactical discipline, and the clinical finishing that saw them score four goals. Rodgers also emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and executing the game plan to perfection.
Ross County’s manager acknowledged the challenges of playing against one of the top teams in Scotland. He was proud of his team’s fight, particularly in the first half, but noted that defensive mistakes ultimately cost them the match. He highlighted the need for his players to learn from their mistakes and improve their performances in future fixtures.
Fan Engagement and Online Reactions
The match sparked significant engagement on social media, with fans from both sides discussing key performances. Celtic supporters lauded the attacking display, especially the contributions of Furuhashi and Hyun-jun, whose clinical finishing made a difference in the final scoreline.
Meanwhile, Ross County fans, although disappointed with the result, showed appreciation for the team’s determination and occasional moments of quality play.
Looking Ahead
Celtic’s victory further solidified their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, extending their lead and demonstrating their championship credentials. With upcoming fixtures against tough opponents, Celtic will continue to rely on their squad depth and consistent performances to maintain their unbeaten run.
For Ross County, while the loss stings, the match provided valuable experience against one of the league’s strongest teams. The squad will look to use this match as a learning opportunity and build on their positives in order to climb the league table and secure a better finish by the end of the season.
Final Thought
Celtic’s 4-1 win over Ross County was a clear statement of intent in the Scottish Premiership, with the visitors showcasing their attacking talent and tactical superiority. Ross County, despite the defeat, demonstrated resilience and will undoubtedly take lessons from the encounter.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this match, with Celtic aiming to maintain their dominance and Ross County looking to improve their standing in the league.
FAQs
Q: What were the starting lineups for the most recent match between Ross County F.C. and Celtic F.C.?
A: In their most recent encounter on January 11, 2025, at the Global Energy Stadium, Ross County and Celtic faced off in a Scottish Premiership match. The starting lineup for Ross County included: Ross Laidlaw in goal; a defense featuring Alex Iacovitti, Jack Baldwin, and Connor Randall; midfielders Jordan Tillson, Harry Paton, and Ross Callachan; and forwards Regan Charles-Cook, Joseph Hungbo, and Jordan White. Celtic’s starting eleven comprised: Joe Hart as goalkeeper; defenders Anthony Ralston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Carl Starfelt, and Greg Taylor; midfield trio Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley; with Liel Abada, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Jota leading the attack. This lineup information is sourced from Sofascore.
Q: Were there any notable absences or injuries affecting the lineups in this match?
A: Yes, both teams had to contend with significant absences due to injuries. Ross County was without Alex Samuel, Elijah Campbell, and Ross Laidlaw, all expected to return by mid-to-late January. Additionally, Ryan Leak was sidelined until early March, and Will Nightingale was also unavailable, with a potential return by mid-January. These absences necessitated adjustments in Ross County’s lineup. Celtic, on the other hand, fielded a strong lineup with no major injury concerns reported for this fixture.
Q: How did the match unfold in terms of key events and substitutions?
A: The match was competitive, with both teams creating opportunities. Ross County opened the scoring with a penalty converted by Regan Charles-Cook in the 43rd minute. Celtic equalized through Anthony Ralston in the 76th minute and secured victory with a late goal by substitute Kyogo Furuhashi in the 88th minute. Substitutions played a crucial role in the game’s outcome. For Ross County, substitutions included Joseph Hungbo replacing Jordan White in the 65th minute, and David Cancola coming on for Harry Paton in the 76th minute. Celtic made several substitutions: Kyogo Furuhashi replaced Liel Abada in the 61st minute, James Forrest came on for Jota in the 68th minute, and Nir Bitton substituted for Reo Hatate in the 75th minute. These tactical changes, especially the introduction of Kyogo Furuhashi, had a significant impact on the final result.
Q: Where can I find detailed statistics and a full match report for this game?
A: For comprehensive statistics and a detailed match report of the Ross County vs. Celtic game on January 11, 2025, you can visit Sofascore. They provide in-depth analysis, including possession percentages, shot counts, player ratings, and more. Additionally, Sky Sports offers a full match report, including commentary, video highlights, and detailed statistics.
Q: How have the lineups evolved in previous encounters between these two teams?
A: In earlier matches between Ross County and Celtic, there have been notable variations in lineups due to factors such as player form, injuries, and tactical decisions. For instance, in a match on October 6, 2024, Ross County’s lineup included players like Ross Laidlaw, Alex Iacovitti, and Jordan White, while Celtic fielded Joe Hart, Anthony Ralston, and Kyogo Furuhashi. Over time, both teams have made adjustments to their starting elevens to optimize performance and address challenges presented by injuries or suspensions. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of football squad management.
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