Camilo Duran once again stole the spotlight as Celtic capped off their pre‑season programme with a thrilling 2‑2 stalemate against the Italian giants AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both Celtic's opening goals, finding the back of the net and setting up a teammate, before a rapid double from teenage striker Francesco Camarda turned the tide in the second half and ensured the match ended in a draw. From the first whistle, Celtic looked intent on imposing themselves on the neutral venue.
Duran opened the scoring in the 13th minute, marking his third goal in as many pre‑season fixtures. The opportunity arose after a careless back‑pass from Celtic defender Strahinja Pavlovic slipped through the defensive line, allowing Duran to collect the ball just outside the penalty area.
He calmly placed a left‑footed shot into the top corner, leaving AC Milan keeper Lorenzo Torriani with no chance. The goal not only gave Celtic an early lead but also underscored Duran's growing importance to Martin O'Neill's attacking plans. Celtic's second goal came shortly after, stemming from another defensive lapse on the Milan side.
Luke McCowan pressed high, forcing a hurried clearance that fell to Duran again. This time, the forward raced past the goalkeeper, retrieved the loose ball and delivered a precise cut‑back to James Forrest, who unleashed a powerful strike that rattled the net.
By the 27th minute, Celtic were comfortably two goals ahead, and the atmosphere in the stadium reflected the optimism of the home supporters. The first half concluded with Celtic in control, but the break gave AC Milan's manager the chance to make several tactical changes.
The Italian side introduced fresh legs, notably a young forward named Francesco Camarda, who would soon make a decisive impact. The restart saw Milan quickly respond. Within a minute of the second half, Camarda earned a penalty after a challenge by Celtic centre‑back Cameron Carter‑Vickers inside the box. The youngster stepped up and calmly slotted the spot‑kick past the Celtic goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 2‑1.
Only six minutes later, Camarda completed his brace. A well‑timed cross from fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze on the right flank found Camarda's head, and he directed a pinpoint header into the far corner, equalising for Milan at 2‑2.
The goal highlighted Milan's attacking depth and the effectiveness of their substitution strategy, as the young Italian demonstrated composure beyond his years. Celtic responded with renewed vigor. Substitute Thomas Hatton entered the fray and provided a lively cameo, curling a shot that narrowly missed the target before forcing a late save from Torriani.
Hatton's energy illustrated the manager's willingness to give younger squad members meaningful minutes, a point O'Neill later emphasized in his post‑match comments. Speaking after the game, O'Neill praised the overall quality of the pre‑season campaign but admitted that the team lost focus after the break.
"In terms of pre‑season, I really enjoyed it. I thought we did some really good things in the game. We just lost our concentration after half‑time," he said. He also singled out Duran, calling him "a really good player" and suggesting that, if he stays injury‑free, the forward could become a vital asset for Celtic throughout the upcoming season.
The manager also highlighted the importance of giving younger players a chance, noting that Thomas Hatton's performance was a reminder of a "dying art" – the ability of seasoned professionals to mentor and lead the next generation. O'Neill added that the competition for places would be fierce, which he views as a positive sign for squad depth.
Off the pitch, the day also saw the departure of cult favourite Daizen Maeda, who completed a transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town earlier in the afternoon. His exit was a talking point among fans, but the team remained focused on the match and the broader objectives of the pre‑season.
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 a historic moment for Scottish football, as all six top‑flight games will be shown live on the network for the first time.
Fans can follow Celtic's full schedule, including the eagerly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season, via the club's official channels. In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan offered a mixed bag of positives and lessons for Celtic. Duran's goal and assist highlighted his potential to become a key figure in O'Neill's attack, while the swift response from Milan underscored the need for sustained concentration throughout a match.
The inclusion of youngsters like Thomas Hatton and the impact of substitutes such as Camarda and Chukwueze provided valuable insight into the squad's depth and adaptability. As the team transitions from pre‑season friendlies to competitive league action, the experiences gained from this encounter will undoubtedly shape Celtic's approach to the challenges that lie ahead.