Camilo Duran once again stole the spotlight as Celtic wrapped up their pre‑season schedule with an exciting 2‑2 draw against the Italian giants AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both Celtic’s opening goals, scoring one himself and setting up another, before a rapid response from Milan’s teenage striker Francesco Camarda in the second half ensured the visitors left Glasgow with a single point.
From the first whistle, Celtic looked intent on imposing themselves on the friendly. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 13th minute when a mis‑controlled back‑pass from AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic slipped straight to Duran. The forward, showing composure beyond his years, tucked a left‑footed shot into the far corner of the net, giving the Scottish side an early 1‑0 lead and marking his third goal in as many pre‑season matches. The goal not only highlighted Duran’s finishing ability but also underscored his growing importance to Martin O’Neill’s attacking plans.
The second Celtic goal followed a similar pattern of pressure and opportunism. Mid‑fielder Luke McCowan pressed high on the Milan back line, forcing an error that left goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani exposed.
Duran pounced on the loose ball, beating the keeper to it and then delivering a precise cut‑back to James Forrest. Forrest, who had been lurking on the edge of the box, met the pass with a powerful strike that rattled the net, extending Celtic’s lead to 2‑0 before the interval. The combination of Duran’s movement, McCowan’s tenacity and Forrest’s finishing demonstrated how Celtic’s attacking unit could work in tandem when the game is on the line. Entering the break, Celtic appeared comfortable and in control, and the fans at Celtic Park were treated to a showcase of flair and clinical execution.
However, the second half saw AC Milan make a series of tactical substitutions designed to inject fresh energy and pace. Within a minute of the restart, the Italians began their comeback. A penalty was awarded after Cameron Carter‑Vickers was judged to have fouled the young Camarda inside the box. The teenager stepped up and, without hesitation, slotted the spot‑kick home, reducing the deficit to 2‑1.
Only six minutes later, Camarda completed his brace. A well‑timed cross from the right, delivered by fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze, found Camarda’s head at the far post. The forward rose above the Celtic defence and directed a pinpoint header into the net, leveling the score at 2‑2. The swift response from Milan highlighted the depth of talent in their squad and the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the full 90 minutes, even in a friendly setting.
Celtic’s bench also made an impact. Thomas Hatton, who came on as a substitute, showcased his energy with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target before forcing a late save from Torriani.
Hatton’s cameo illustrated the club’s willingness to give younger players valuable minutes in a competitive environment, a point emphasized by manager Martin O’Neill in his post‑match interview. Speaking after the game, O’Neill praised the overall performance but admitted that the team’s concentration dipped 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, describing him as “a really good player” and suggesting that, provided he stays injury‑free, the forward could become a major asset for Celtic moving forward.
O’Neill also highlighted the importance of giving younger squad members a chance to prove themselves. “It would be nice to see some more of the young players, they’ve been with us in pre‑season. Thomas Hatton did well to take players on, which is a dying art. It’s really encouraging and there is a battle on to get into the side,” the manager added, underscoring the competitive nature of the squad.
The match also coincided with a notable transfer development: cult favourite Daizen Maeda completed his move to Premier League side Ipswich Town earlier in the day, marking the end of his Celtic chapter. While fans celebrated his contributions over the years, the club’s focus quickly shifted back to the upcoming season. Looking ahead, Celtic will begin their Scottish Premiership title defence at home against Dundee on August 3, with the fixture set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The kickoff is scheduled for 7.30 pm, and the match will close a historic opening weekend that will see all six top‑flight games aired live on Sky Sports for the first time.
Supporters can find the full list of Celtic’s league fixtures, including the date of the season’s first Old Firm clash, on the club’s official website. Beyond the on‑field action, the pre‑season friendly provided fans with additional entertainment, including a promotional push for the Sky Sports app and a chance to enter a Super 6 competition with a £250,000 prize pool. While these elements may seem peripheral, they reflect the broader commercial ecosystem surrounding modern football, where clubs, broadcasters and sponsors collaborate to enhance fan engagement. In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan offered a mixed bag of optimism and caution for Celtic.
Duran’s dual contribution highlighted his growing role, while the quick response from Milan served as a reminder that focus must be maintained for the full duration of any match. With the domestic season looming, O’Neill’s emphasis on integrating youth, preserving concentration, and building on the positives from pre‑season will be crucial as Celtic aim to defend their Scottish Premiership crown.