Pre-Season Friendly Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Estádio do Algarve, Faro
SPORTING CP…0
CELTIC…2 (Hatate 47pen & McCowan 71)
Celtic wrapped up their Portuguese training trip with a stellar 2-0 victory over Portuguese champions, Sporting CP, in the Algarve. Reo Hatate opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Luke McCowan secured the win with a fine finish, marking a strong end to their pre-season preparations.
After an intense training camp in Lisbon, Celtic faced Sporting CP in a battle of champions at the Estádio do Algarve. Despite the scorching 30°C heat, the match was a showcase of skill and determination from both sides.
Key Moments:
- First Half: Both teams created chances, but the score remained level at halftime. Celtic's Adam Idah and Sporting's João Simões came close, but goalkeepers Rui Silva and Kasper Schmeichel kept the game scoreless.
- Second Half: Celtic broke the deadlock shortly after the restart with Hatate's penalty. McCowan then doubled the lead with a composed finish, capitalizing on a counter-attack.
Substitutions and Impact: Brendan Rodgers made strategic changes, introducing fresh legs that immediately impacted the game. Johnny Kenny won the penalty, and McCowan's introduction proved decisive with his goal.
Looking Ahead: Celtic now returns to Glasgow, turning their attention to a high-profile friendly against Newcastle United at Celtic Park, with the adidas Trophy at stake.
Lineups: SPORTING CP: Rui Silva, Ivan Fresneda, Matheus Reis, Jeremiah St. Juste, Geny Catamo, Francisco Trincao, Joao Simoes, Morten Hjulmand, Pedro Goncalves, Eduardo Quaresma, Rodrigo Ribeiro.
CELTIC: Schmeichel, Ralston, Murray, Scales, Tierney, McGregor, Nygren, Hatate, Forrest, Maeda, Idah.
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