In an electrifying pre-season friendly match at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium, Celtic emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 win over Manchester City. This match served as an essential warm-up for the upcoming 2024-25 campaigns for both teams. While Celtic, the reigning champions of the Scottish Premiership, showcased their formidable talent, Manchester City, the four-time defending champions of the English Premier League, utilized the game to assess their younger players, with several top stars resting from the European Championships.
Kuhn and Palma Lead Celtic to Victory
The match saw an impressive performance from German right winger Nicolas Kuhn, who netted a first-half brace. Kuhn opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a pass from the right side and charging towards City’s starting goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, before firing a precise left-footed shot just inside the far post. Kuhn’s second goal in the 36th minute was a display of skill and precision as he evaded a defender and curled a left-footed shot high into the net.
Luis Palma, a Honduran international, scored the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Palma, who had entered the game just three minutes earlier, finished a three-man breakaway to tap in the winner. City’s defenders were caught flat-footed near midfield, allowing Palma to score unchallenged.
Haaland’s Captaincy and City’s Fightback
Norwegian star Erling Haaland, wearing the City captain’s armband for the first time, was instrumental in City’s efforts. Haaland equalized in the 57th minute with a powerful header from a centering pass by Oscar Bobb, his countryman. Despite this, City’s attempts to seize the game were thwarted by Celtic’s resilient defense.
City’s young talent, including 21-year-old Argentine substitute Maximo Perrone, made significant contributions. Perrone scored seconds into the second half with a left-footed shot from the right side, bringing City back into the game.
Schmeichel’s Stellar Debut
The match marked the debut of Kasper Schmeichel for Celtic. The 37-year-old Danish goalkeeper, who began his career with Manchester City in 2006, played the first half and made several crucial saves. Schmeichel denied Haaland twice, first in the 23rd minute with a right-hand save and again in the 31st minute with a left-hand swat.
City’s Continued Tour and Future Matches
Manchester City’s US tour will continue with a match against AC Milan on Saturday at New York’s Yankee Stadium. Following that, they will face Barcelona in Orlando and Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio. These matches will provide further opportunities for Pep Guardiola to evaluate his squad and finalize his preparations for the new season.
Conclusion
This pre-season friendly was more than just a warm-up; it was a spectacle that highlighted the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. Celtic’s victory, spearheaded by Kuhn and Palma, and Schmeichel’s impressive debut, set a positive tone for their upcoming season. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s resilience and the emergence of young talent like Perrone provide hope for their continued dominance. As both teams gear up for their respective campaigns, fans can look forward to more exciting football in the coming months.
