Camilo Duran once again demonstrated his quality as Celtic wrapped up their pre‑season programme with a lively 2‑2 draw against AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both a goal and an assist, giving the Scottish side an early advantage that they later had to relinquish after a rapid response from the Italians. The match began with Celtic pressing high and creating chances, and Duran capitalised on a defensive lapse from Milan’s defender Strahinja Pavlovic. Pavlovic attempted a back‑pass that was poorly weighted, allowing Duran to collect the ball inside the box and unleash a precise left‑footed strike that curled into the far corner.
That goal marked Duran’s third in as many pre‑season fixtures, underscoring his growing confidence and his importance to Martin O’Neill’s attacking plans. Celtic’s second goal also stemmed from an error on the Milan side. Luke McCowan applied intense pressure on the Milan back line, forcing a hurried clearance. Duran reacted swiftly, beating goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to the loose ball and then delivering a low cut‑back to James Forrest.
Forrest, who had been drifting wide on the left, met the pass with a powerful shot that left the keeper with no chance, extending Celtic’s lead to 2‑0 before the interval. The first half ended with Celtic in a comfortable position, but the second half saw a flurry of substitutions from Milan that changed the dynamic of the game. Just a minute after the restart, the young Italian striker Francesco Camarda made an immediate impact. After Cameron Carter‑Vickers was judged to have pulled him down inside the penalty area, Camarda stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past the Celtic keeper, reducing the deficit to 2‑1.
Six minutes later Camarda added a second goal, this time with his head. A well‑timed cross from fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze on the right found Camarda in the box, and the teenager rose above the defenders to direct a precise header into the net, leveling the score at 2‑2. The rapid double not only restored parity but also highlighted Milan’s depth and the potential of their emerging talents.
Celtic’s bench also featured a notable cameo from Thomas Hatton, who entered the match with fresh legs. Hatton attempted a curling effort that drifted wide of the post, but he later forced a crucial save from Torriani, demonstrating his willingness to contribute in the final stages of the game.
After the final whistle, Martin O’Neill reflected on the performance. He praised the overall quality of the pre‑season, noting that the team had executed several good ideas during the first half.
However, he admitted that concentration slipped after the break, allowing Milan to claw back. O’Neill singled out Duran, describing him as a “really good player” who, if he avoids injury, will become a valuable asset for Celtic.
He also highlighted the importance of giving younger squad members a chance, commending Hatton’s work rate and noting that nurturing young talent is becoming a rarer skill in modern football. The match also carried off‑field significance. Earlier in the day, Celtic’s cult favourite Daizen Maeda completed a transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town, marking the end of his spell in Glasgow. The club’s supporters were reminded of the ever‑changing nature of football rosters as pre‑season preparations continue.
Looking ahead, Celtic will kick off their Scottish Premiership title defence at home against Dundee on August 3, with the fixture set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The opening weekend promises to be historic, as all six top‑flight games will be shown live on the network for the first time, offering fans unprecedented access to the league’s early battles. Celtic’s supporters can also follow the full schedule, including the first Old Firm clash of the season, through the club’s official channels.
Beyond the on‑field action, the pre‑season provided a platform for fans to engage with the club through various media. Sky Sports promoted its app for live streaming, while the club’s website featured a range of articles covering transfer news for Liverpool, Sunderland, and other clubs, keeping supporters informed about the broader football landscape.
In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan was a showcase of Celtic’s attacking potential, highlighted by Camilo Duran’s goal and assist, as well as the resilience of the visitors, who responded swiftly through Francesco Camarda’s brace. The match offered valuable lessons for O’Neill’s side ahead of the competitive season, emphasizing the need for sustained focus and the integration of emerging talent. With the domestic campaign set to begin soon, Celtic will aim to translate the promise shown in pre‑season into consistent performances in the Scottish Premiership.