In a sensational pre-season clash, Celtic triumphed over English Premier League giants Manchester City, clinching a 4-3 victory at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
The game sparked into life early, with Nico O’Reilly narrowly missing the target for City following a slick move involving Jack Grealish. However, it was Celtic who drew first blood in the 13th minute. Reo Hatate’s exquisite first-time pass found Matt O’Riley, who deftly set up Nicolas Kuhn. The winger charged into the box and coolly slotted past City’s keeper Ortega, sending the Hoops support into raptures.
Celtic continued to press, nearly doubling their lead through Kyogo’s effort, which was thwarted by Ortega. Making his debut between the sticks, Kasper Schmeichel demonstrated his calibre with a crucial save from Erling Haaland, denying the Norwegian striker not once, but twice, with stunning reflexes.
Despite Schmeichel’s heroics, City found an equaliser in the 32nd minute. Oscar Bobb’s shot trickled over the line, barely eluding the Danish keeper’s grasp. Yet, Celtic’s response was swift and decisive. Just four minutes later, Kuhn dazzled again, this time curling a left-footed shot into the net from eight yards, restoring the Bhoys’ lead.
As halftime loomed, Celtic struck again. O’Riley linked up with Kuhn, whose brilliant pass with the outside of his left foot found Kyogo. The Japanese forward controlled the ball impeccably, rounding Ortega to give Celtic a commanding 3-1 advantage at the break.
City, determined to fight back, reduced the deficit immediately after the restart through substitute Maximo Perrone. By the 57th minute, they were level, Haaland heading home from an Oscar Bobb cross, giving substitute keeper Viljami Sinisalo no chance.
Brendan Rodgers, keen to maintain momentum, made several substitutions, and it paid off. James Forrest’s pass found Kwon, who outpaced the City defence before setting up Luis Palma for a simple tap-in, reclaiming the lead for Celtic.
City pressed for another equaliser, but Sinisalo’s quick reflexes denied Ben Knight, tipping his effort over the bar. Celtic’s defence held firm, securing a thrilling victory against the Premier League champions.
This pulsating encounter not only delighted the American fans but also demonstrated Celtic’s resilience and attacking flair, boding well for the season ahead.
Here are all Celtic’s goals below:
Kuhn Opener
Kuhn’s second
Kyogo makes it three
Luis Palma secures the win
Suspicion offside for winner but nice move our media will play it down as a friendly and man city where not at full strength some of those players in sky blue were bought for millions even the subs some those kids were worth £5,000,000 and more I’m sure Rodgers will be pleased and his opposite number will be looking at some of our youngsters right back and left and a couple of more Celtic would be advised to tie these kids down I believe these kids know that to get to the top the need best one to one coaching and Rodgers and Celtic have proven themselves no youngster theat have left Celtic for money have been lost in the system one went to bayern Munich back playing in scottish first division he might have got persuaded by the name money or just poor advice from greedy agent but I hope the young man has learned yes it was a great experience learn a new language hope it wasn’t for money there still time in his careerer some have done it but has he the desire maybe not shame brevity has not done these young players any help in there footballing careerers if you check the out what these bhoys that have left for quick buck are still not made there way into there respected first teams for the clubs that they left for boy went to Liverpool made a couple of frendlies abd submission last time I seen him coming on for Liverpool he was out of his depth it’s sad to see such a young talent forcing his body to make the step up and now he is blighted by injuries