Camilo Duran once again stole the spotlight as Celtic wrapped up their pre‑season programme with a lively 2‑2 draw against Italian giants AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both Celtic’s opening goals – netting the first and setting up the second – before a rapid‑fire response from Milan’s teenage striker Francesco Camarda turned the match into a thrilling finish.
The game got off to a swift start when a misplaced back‑pass from Celtic defender Strahinja Pavlovic fell to Duran, who calmly slotted a left‑footed finish into the far corner. That strike marked Duran’s third goal in as many pre‑season outings, underscoring his growing importance to Martin O’Neill’s side. Just minutes later, Celtic earned a second lead thanks to a defensive lapse on the Milan side.
Luke McCowan applied pressure on the ball, forcing an error that allowed Duran to pounce on a loose pass, beat goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani and whip a precise cut‑back to James Forrest. Forrest struck the ball with authority, doubling Celtic’s advantage and leaving the Scottish club comfortably ahead at the break. The second half, however, belonged to AC Milan. After a flurry of substitutions, the visitors came out with renewed vigor.
Within a minute of the restart, Camarda made his mark. The young forward was brought down in the box by Celtic centre‑back Cameron Carter‑Vickers, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Camarda stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, reducing the deficit to one goal. Six minutes later, the Italian side equalised again. Substituted winger Samuel Chukwueze delivered a perfectly timed cross from the right flank, and Camarda rose above the Celtic defence to meet the ball with a powerful header that found the back of the net. The goal completed a rapid‑fire double for the 19‑year‑old, leaving the match level at 2‑2.
Celtic’s bench also made an impact. Thomas Hatton, who entered the fray later in the game, produced a lively cameo, curling a shot that forced a late save from Torriani. Although Hatton’s effort went wide, his energy added a spark to the Celtic attack in the closing stages. Off the pitch, the night carried additional storylines.
Earlier in the day, Celtic’s cult hero Daizen Maeda completed a transfer to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town, a move that was confirmed just before the match. The departure of Maeda, a fan favourite, was a reminder that pre‑season is also a period of transition for the squad.
Manager Martin O’Neill reflected on the performance after the final whistle. He praised the team’s overall display, noting that the pre‑season fixtures had been “really enjoyable” and that the players had shown “some really good things in the game.” O’Neill admitted that the side lost concentration after the interval, which allowed Milan to claw back the lead. He singled out Camilo Duran as a “really good player,” adding that if the Colombian can stay injury‑free he will be a valuable asset for the upcoming campaign.
O’Neill also highlighted the importance of giving younger players a chance, commending Thomas Hatton for his willingness to take on opponents – a skill O’Neill described as a “dying art.” Looking ahead, Celtic will commence their Scottish Premiership title defence on 3 August, hosting Dundee at Celtic Park. The match is slated for a 7.30 pm kickoff and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, marking the first time that all six top‑flight fixtures of the opening weekend will be shown live on the network. Fans can also follow Celtic’s full schedule, including the eagerly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season, through the club’s official channels.
Beyond the match itself, the pre‑season encounter offered a glimpse into the tactical options O’Neill may employ once the league begins. Duran’s ability to both finish and create chances suggests he could become a focal point in Celtic’s attacking setup, while Forrest’s powerful strike demonstrates his continued threat from wide positions.
The defensive lapses that allowed Milan to score – particularly the back‑pass error and the penalty concession – will likely be areas of focus in training sessions before the competitive season kicks off. For supporters wanting to relive the action, highlights are available on the Sky Sports app, and the club encourages viewers to use the Chrome browser for the best video playback experience. Meanwhile, the broader football community can stay updated on transfer news, including the latest moves involving Liverpool, Sunderland, and other clubs, through the same platform. In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan provided Celtic with a useful test of their squad depth, highlighted the impact of emerging talents like Duran and Hatton, and offered a reminder of the fine margins that separate victory from a stalemate in pre‑season friendlies.
The team will now turn its attention to the domestic campaign, hoping to translate the positives from this match into a strong start to the Scottish Premiership season.