Camilo Duran once again stole the spotlight as Celtic concluded their pre‑season programme with a lively 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 providing the assist for the second, before a rapid brace from teenage striker Francesco Camarda turned the match into a draw. From the first whistle, Celtic looked intent on imposing themselves on the visitors. The breakthrough came early when a mis‑directed back‑pass from AC Milan defender Strahinja Pavlovic slipped straight to Duran.
The forward, showing composure beyond his years, received the ball inside the box and, with a precise left‑footed strike, tucked it into the far corner, giving Celtic a 1‑0 lead. It was Duran’s third goal in as many pre‑season outings, a run that has quickly marked him as a potential key player for the Scottish side. The second Celtic goal was born out of a similar defensive lapse on the Milan side.
Luke McCowan pressed high up the pitch, forcing an error that saw Milan’s back line scramble. Duran, ever alert, pounced on the loose ball, beating goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to claim possession.
He then slotted a perfectly weighted pass to James Forrest, who unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net, extending Celtic’s advantage to 2‑0. At the interval, the home side were comfortably ahead, having capitalised on two mistakes and displayed a fluid attacking rhythm. The second half, however, unfolded very differently. AC Milan made a series of tactical substitutions, injecting fresh energy and pace into their ranks.
Within a minute of the restart, the Italian side were back on level terms. Francesco Camarda, the 17‑year‑old prodigy, was brought on and immediately made an impact. After a challenge inside the penalty area on Cameron Carter‑Vickers, the referee pointed to the spot.
Camarda stepped up and, with a calm demeanor, slotted the penalty home, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. Only six minutes later, the young striker completed his brace.
A well‑timed cross from fellow substitute Samuel Chukwueze on the right flank found Camarda, who rose above the Celtic defence and headed the ball into the net with clinical accuracy. The goal not only equalised the score but also showcased Milan’s ability to respond swiftly under pressure.
Celtic’s bench also contributed to the spectacle. Thomas Hatton, who entered the fray as a substitute, made a lively cameo, curling a shot that drifted wide of the post before forcing a late‑stage save from Torriani.
His energetic display highlighted the depth of talent available to manager Martin O'Neill, especially among the younger cohort. In the post‑match interview, O'Neill reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging both the positives and the areas needing improvement. "Overall, the pre‑season has been enjoyable. We executed several good moves during the game, but our concentration slipped after the break," he admitted.
The manager also praised Duran, stating, "Camilo is a very good player. If he stays injury‑free, he will be a significant asset for us." O'Neill further emphasized the importance of giving younger players a chance, noting that Thomas Hatton's involvement was encouraging and underscored a growing trend where seasoned professionals mentor emerging talent.
The match also carried a bittersweet note for Celtic supporters. Earlier in the day, club legend Daizen Maeda completed a transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town, marking the end of an era for the forward who had become a cult figure among the fanbase.
Despite his departure, the team rallied and produced an entertaining performance, albeit one that ultimately resulted in a draw. Looking ahead, Celtic will commence their Scottish Premiership title defence on August 3, hosting Dundee at Celtic Park. The fixture, set for a 7.30pm kickoff, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, forming part of a historic opening weekend where all six top‑flight games are shown live on the network for the first time.
Fans can also follow the full schedule of Celtic’s league fixtures, including the eagerly anticipated Old Firm clash later in the season. Beyond the immediate footballing narrative, the match served as a reminder of the importance of pre‑season tours. They provide a platform for new signings like Duran to integrate, for young prospects such as Camarda and Hatton to gain valuable experience against high‑calibre opposition, and for managers to experiment with tactics and personnel ahead of the competitive campaign. In summary, the 2‑2 draw against AC Milan was a microcosm of Celtic’s pre‑season journey: moments of brilliance, youthful exuberance, and a few lapses that need addressing.
With a promising start from Duran, a resilient response from Milan’s youngsters, and a clear roadmap for the upcoming league season, Celtic fans have plenty to look forward to as the new campaign unfolds.