Camilo Duran once again demonstrated why he is quickly becoming a fan favourite, playing a pivotal role in Celtic's final pre‑season friendly, a lively 2‑2 draw with Serie A giants AC Milan. The Colombian forward was directly involved in both of Celtic's opening goals, netting one himself and providing the assist for the second, before Milan’s teenage prodigy Francesco Camarda sparked a comeback with a rapid double early in the second half. The match began with Celtic on the front foot. In the opening minutes, a careless back‑pass from AC Milan centre‑half Strahinja Pavlovic slipped through the defensive line, allowing Duran to pounce.
The forward collected the loose ball, turned sharply and unleashed a precise left‑footed strike that curled into the top corner, giving Celtic an early 1‑0 lead. It was Duran’s third goal in as many pre‑season fixtures, underlining his growing confidence and finishing ability.
Celtic’s second goal was the product of sustained pressure from the left side. Luke McCowan, operating high up the pitch, closed down an AC Milan defender and forced a hurried clearance. Duran, reading the situation perfectly, surged forward, beat goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani to the ball and laid it off to James Forrest. Forrest, who had been lurking in the box, struck the ball with power and precision, doubling Celtic’s advantage to 2‑0 before the interval.
The goal was a clear illustration of how a well‑executed press can create scoring opportunities, and it highlighted Celtic’s intent to dominate possession and create chances from turnovers. The first half ended with Celtic comfortably ahead, and the manager, Martin O'Neill, could have been pleased with the team’s tactical discipline and the fluidity of their attacking play. However, the break brought a wave of substitutions from the Milan side, injecting fresh legs and youthful energy.
Within a minute of the restart, the momentum shifted. Cameron Carter‑Vickers appeared to bring down Milan’s teenage striker Francesco Camarda inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot, and Camarda calmly slotted the penalty home, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. Just six minutes later, Milan completed the equaliser. Substituted winger Samuel Chukwueze, who had been introduced to add width, delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank.
Camarda rose above the Celtic defence, met the ball with a well‑timed header, and directed it into the net, restoring parity at 2‑2. The quick response from Milan demonstrated the impact that young, dynamic players can have when given the chance in high‑pressure situations.
Celtic’s bench also featured notable contributions. Thomas Hatton, a promising youngster, came on to make a lively cameo.
He attempted a curling effort that narrowly missed the target, only to force a late save from Torriani, showing that the Celtic academy continues to produce players capable of testing top‑level opposition. In post‑match remarks, O'Neill praised the overall performance while acknowledging the team’s lapse in concentration 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 admitted. The manager also singled out Duran, describing him as "a really good player" and suggesting that, if he remains injury‑free, he could become a significant asset for Celtic moving forward.
O'Neill also highlighted the importance of giving younger squad members meaningful minutes. "It would be nice to see some more of the young players, they've been with us in pre‑season. Tom 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, emphasizing the competitive environment within the squad.
The match also marked a bittersweet moment for Celtic supporters, as cult hero Daizen Maeda completed his transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town earlier in the day. While the departure was a loss for the club, the friendly provided an opportunity for the remaining squad to rally and showcase their resilience. Looking ahead, Celtic will commence their Scottish Premiership title defence at home against Dundee on August 3, a fixture that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. The opening weekend promises to be historic, with all six top‑flight games scheduled for live coverage on the network for the first time, offering fans unprecedented access to the league.
Beyond the immediate result, the friendly offered valuable insights into Celtic’s tactical setup, player fitness levels, and the integration of academy prospects into the first‑team environment. The ability of Duran to influence the game both as a scorer and a creator suggests he could be a key figure in the upcoming season, while the performances of youngsters like Hatton and the impact of Milan’s Camarda illustrate the importance of depth and youthful exuberance in modern football. Overall, the 2‑2 draw was an entertaining showcase of attacking football, defensive lapses, and the unpredictable nature of pre‑season fixtures. It provided both clubs with a platform to test formations, assess new signings, and fine‑tune strategies ahead of the competitive campaigns that loom on the horizon.
The match will be remembered for Duran’s brilliance, Camarda’s rapid response, and the promise shown by the next generation of Celtic talent.