Alexandro Bernabei scored the winner as Celtic beat Gamba Osaka in an intriguing pre-season friendly. The match concluded the Scottish Champions’ tour of Japan and Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with the showing from his side.
Bernabei’s goal was a display of sheer determination and the manager will be delighted with what he has seen from the young Argentine. The left-back found himself on the right side of the defence and attempted an outside of the foot pass forward for second-half skipper Kyogo. However, he scuffed this and it went wayward up the line towards the Gamba defender. Not contented to simply allow the hosts to come forward, Bernabei pressed emphatically and managed to win the ball off the goalkeeper, before turning the ball into the net from close range.
⚽️𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗖🍀
🇦🇷Alexandro Bernabei (85)
🔵Gamba Osaka0️⃣-1️⃣Celtic FC🟢 pic.twitter.com/7V5aJpmzhX— The Parkhead Faithful (@TheParkheadF) July 22, 2023
It was a goal out of nothing but it showed willingness from Bernabei but it was a solid performance from both Celtic XIs. Rodgers has promised that he will move towards giving the core group most minutes as the final preparations begin for the beginning of the new season.
