Celtic emerged victorious against Manchester City with a 4-3 win in a pre-season friendly held at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. With several top players resting after the European Championships, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola utilized this match to evaluate younger talent.
Nicolas Kuhn was the star for Celtic, scoring twice, while Luis Palma netted the decisive goal in the 68th minute. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, scored an equalizer in the 57th minute, but Palma’s goal secured the win for Celtic.
The match served as preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 seasons for both teams. Celtic, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, and Manchester City, the four-time defending English Premier League champions, are both gearing up for their respective campaigns.
Kasper Schmeichel made his debut for Celtic, playing the first half. Kuhn’s first-half brace helped Celtic take a 3-1 lead at halftime. Manchester City’s Maximo Perrone scored seconds into the second half, and Haaland leveled the score with a header from Oscar Bobb’s cross.
However, Palma’s goal on a breakaway in the 68th minute sealed the win for Celtic. Manchester City substitute Ben Knight’s attempt to equalize was thwarted by Celtic’s second-half goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.
The match also highlighted Schmeichel’s impressive saves against Haaland in the 23rd and 31st minutes, but Haaland managed to assist Bobb for City’s first goal in the 33rd minute. Kuhn responded quickly with a brilliant solo effort, and he later set up Kyogo Furuhashi for Celtic’s third goal.
Manchester City’s US tour continues with a match against AC Milan at New York’s Yankee Stadium, followed by games against Barcelona in Orlando and Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio. Celtic is set to play against Chelsea on Saturday in South Bend, Indiana.
