Celtic Outshine Man City With 4-3 Victory In Us Pre-Season Friendly

Celtic emerged victorious in a thrilling pre-season friendly against Manchester City, securing a 4-3 win with goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Luis Palma in the 68th minute.

In a match held at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium, Erling Haaland, wearing the captain’s armband for Manchester City, scored a crucial equalizer in the 57th minute. However, it was Honduran international Luis Palma who ultimately secured the winning goal on a breakaway.

The match served as a warm-up for both teams ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 campaigns. Celtic, the reigning champions of the Scottish Premiership, and Manchester City, the four-time defending champions of the English Premier League, used the opportunity to test their squads.

With several key players resting after the European Championships, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took the chance to assess the abilities of younger talents.

The game also marked the Celtic debut for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, a 37-year-old Dane who began his career with Manchester City in 2006. Schmeichel played the first half for Celtic.

German right winger Nicolas Kuhn impressed for Celtic, scoring two goals in the first half. This friendly match was his fourth appearance of the pre-season.

Trailing 3-1 at halftime, Manchester City quickly responded with a goal from substitute Maximo Perrone, who found the net with his first touch of the ball. Erling Haaland then headed in a centering pass from fellow countryman Oscar Bobb, leveling the score in the 57th minute.

However, it was Celtic who had the final say as Luis Palma sealed the victory in the 68th minute. Taking advantage of a three-man breakaway, Palma finished skillfully, leaving City’s defenders helpless near the midfield.

In the 76th minute, City substitute Ben Knight came close to equalizing, but was denied by a fantastic save from second-half Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo of Finland, who tipped the ball over the crossbar.