Camilo Duran once again demonstrated why he is fast becoming a key figure for Celtic, as the Scottish side wrapped up their pre‑season campaign with an engaging 2‑2 draw against the Italian giants AC Milan. The match, played in a lively atmosphere, saw Duran not only find the back of the net but also set up a teammate, giving Celtic an early advantage that looked to be heading toward a comfortable win before a rapid response from the visitors altered the final outcome.
From the opening whistle, Celtic appeared eager to impose themselves on the game. Their attacking intent paid off within the first half when a defensive lapse from Milan’s back line provided Duran with a golden opportunity. Strahinja Pavlovic, attempting a back pass, mis‑hit the ball, allowing the Colombian forward to pounce.
Duran collected the loose ball and, with a composed left‑footed strike, slotted it into the far corner of the net, giving Celtic a 1‑0 lead. This marked Duran’s third goal in as many pre‑season fixtures, underscoring his growing confidence and finishing prowess. The second Celtic goal emerged from a similar scenario of Milan’s defensive miscommunication. Luke McCowan applied pressure on the Milan side, forcing an error that saw the ball fall to Duran once again.
This time, the forward displayed his vision by beating goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to the ball 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 sent the ball rippling into the net, extending Celtic’s lead to 2‑0 and putting the home side in a commanding position as the first half drew to a close.
The halftime break, however, proved to be a turning point. AC Milan made a flurry of tactical substitutions, injecting fresh legs and renewed energy into their ranks.
The changes paid immediate dividends. Just a minute after the restart, Milan’s teenage prodigy Francesco Camarda made his presence felt.
A penalty was awarded when Cameron Carter‑Vickers was judged to have impeded Camarda inside the box. Camarda stepped up confidently and, without hesitation, converted from the spot, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. Only six minutes later, Camarda continued his impact on the game.
A well‑timed cross from the right flank, delivered by fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze, found Camarda in the box. Demonstrating composure beyond his years, the young striker rose above the Celtic defense and headed the ball cleanly into the net, leveling the score at 2‑2. The rapid succession of these two goals stunned the Celtic camp and highlighted Milan’s resilience and tactical adaptability.
Celtic’s manager, Martin O'Neill, reflected on the performance in the post‑match interview. He praised the overall quality of the pre‑season, noting that the team had executed several good moves and displayed promising attacking patterns. However, O'Neill also admitted that the side’s concentration slipped after the break, allowing Milan to claw back into the game.
He singled out Camilo Duran as a “really good player,” emphasizing that if the Colombian can stay injury‑free, he will be a significant asset for Celtic throughout the upcoming season. The manager also expressed optimism about the younger members of the squad.
He highlighted the contributions of Thomas Hatton, who came on as a substitute and offered a lively cameo, curling a shot that narrowly missed the target before forcing a crucial save from Torriani. O'Neill remarked that seeing young talent like Hatton take on responsibilities is a “dying art” and that it bodes well for the competition within the squad as they vie for regular first‑team minutes.
Beyond the on‑field action, the match was marked by a notable transfer development. Celtic’s cult hero Daizen Maeda completed a move to Premier League side Ipswich Town earlier in the day, a departure that will be felt by the fans but also opens up space for emerging forwards such as Duran to step into more prominent roles. Looking ahead, Celtic’s focus now shifts to the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
Their opening fixture will be a home game against Dundee on August 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The match is scheduled for a 7:30 pm kickoff and will be part of a historic opening weekend where all six top‑flight games are slated for live coverage on Sky Sports for the first time.
Fans can view the full list of Celtic’s Premiership fixtures, including the date of the highly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season, through the club’s official channels. In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan provided Celtic with valuable insights as they fine‑tune their tactics and assess player performances ahead of the competitive season.
While Duran’s goal and assist highlighted his growing influence, the match also underscored the importance of maintaining focus throughout both halves. The blend of experienced heads and promising youngsters offers a balanced squad capable of challenging for the Scottish title, and the upcoming league opener promises to be an exciting test of the team’s progress. For those interested in more football coverage, Sky Sports offers a dedicated app where fans can watch live matches, catch highlights, and stay updated on transfer news across clubs such as Liverpool and Sunderland. Additionally, interactive features like the Super 6 competition provide opportunities for fans to engage further, with chances to win substantial prizes.
Overall, the pre‑season encounter served its purpose: it entertained, highlighted strengths, exposed areas for improvement, and set the stage for what promises to be an intriguing season for Celtic.