Saturday saw Celtic take part in our third pre-season friendly in the soaring heat of Lisbon. The game against Estrela de Amadora was played behind closed doors in the low-key surroundings of the Benfica training campus with the Hoops losing out 3-2 to the Portuguese Primera Liga side.
Key players such as Kieran Tierney and Daizen Maeda both got a run out for the first 45 minutes and both looked like they are developing an understanding that will benefit the side greatly.
Callum McGregor, Auston Trusty, Reo Hatate Callum Osmand, and even forgotten man Marco Tilio also got a run out in the first half.
In the second half a much changed Celtic line-up saw Adam Idah grab a goal which will have boosted his confidence, assisted by new Bhoy Benjamin Nygren. Fellow new addition Hayato Inamura also got more minutes under his belt and would have impressed Brendan Rodgers yet again.
Whilst it was a disappointing result it matters not a jot in the long run as it is was nothing more than a practice match to get some much needed fitness into the legs of the players with the 2025/26 campaign almost upon us.
Nicolas Kuhn, Como FC
There were some major defensive frailties which were exposed yet again, but in the end it was yet another worthwhile challenge as we gear up for the upcoming season. Celtic have another pre-season friendly in Portugal this week before returning to Scotland to take on Newcastle United at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Then it’s a trip to Italy to play in the Como Cup where there’s a possible reunion chance to play against former Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn, who would presumably playing against Kieran Tierney. That would be interesting.
Here’s KT on the Official Celtic FC Podcast…
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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