Celtic rounded off their Portuguese pre-season camp, this time in the in the Algarve, with an impressive 2-0 win over Sporting CP, providing Brendan Rodgers with a performance full of positives and a few pointed reminders of what still needs addressed before competitive action returns…
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Benjamin Nygren of Celtic FC controls the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images
Played in muggy Portuguese conditions at the Estádio do Algarve, this match had the feel of a real test from the off. Sporting, consistently one of Portugal’s top sides and Champions League regulars, presented a step up in quality from recent opposition. But Celtic were more than up to the task, showing purpose, energy, and composure in a game that they controlled for long spells.
Benjamin Nygren, who continues to impress with every outing
The Hoops began brightly, pressing high and unsettling the Sporting backline. Daizen Maeda, whose work rate never dipped, was a nuisance from the off, setting the tone for Celtic’s aggressive front-foot approach. Reo Hatate, playing with real confidence and sharpness, dominated the midfield alongside captain Callum McGregor and Swedish international Benjamin Nygren, who continues to impress with every outing.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Reo Hatate of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Image
The first half saw Celtic create several decent chances. Adam Idah will rue two missed opportunities in particular — both clear sights of goal where composure was lacking. His hold-up play was decent, but these are the moments that define top-level forwards, and Rodgers may well still be weighing up his options in that area, even with the imminent arrival of Shin Yamada to come – although the Japanese international’s profile would fit like a glove for a team playing the way Celtic did last night.
The breakthrough came early in the second half. Substitute Johnny Kenny, bright and positive, was brought down in the box and Reo Hatate stepped up to dispatch the penalty, although the bashful celebration showed it was a strike that was lucky to find its target.
It was however no more than Celtic deserved
July 16, 2025, Faro, Portugal: Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates a goal during a Pre-Season friendly football match played between Sporting CP and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve on July 16, 2025 in Faro, Portugal. Faro Portugal – ZUMA Photo Joaquin Corchero
The second goal was a peach
The second goal was a peach — a beautiful counter attacking break from the edge of Celtic’s own box, saw Kenny again instrumental with his application and energy to break across the halfway line and feed Luke McCowan, who carried the ball into the area feinted beautifully and delicately placed the ball into the corner of the net – a finish of calm authority. Two goals from two hungry players sent a clear message – the pathway to the first XI remains open, and there are clearly players ready to seize it.
Luke McCowan of Celtic celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 0-2 Sporting Lisbon v Celtic, Pre Season Friendly, Football, Estadio Algarve, Portugal – 16 Jul 2025 Estadio Algarve Portugal Photo Carlos Rodrigues
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Defensively, Celtic looked mostly assured. Kieran Tierney, still bedding back in, gave a solid shift at left-back. Liam Scales and Dane Murray formed the centre-back pairing, and while neither were tested constantly, they dealt with Sporting’s sporadic threats well enough and played through the Sporting press diligently and patiently throughout. That said, a more clinical opponent might have punished one or two loose moments — something Rodgers will be acutely aware of.
Maeda’s late stint on the sidelines — pounding out press-ups after being subbed — drew laughs and admiration in equal measure. His intensity mirrors the approach Rodgers is clearly instilling in this side – no let-up, no half measures.
In all, it was a very encouraging night
In all, it was a very encouraging night. The midfield looks balanced, the youth players certainly gave more pause for consideration than previous pre-season games, and the press is working ever so well. But the finishing still needs refining – Celtic could have had four goals in the first half alone. And a little more steel at the back wouldn’t go amiss either, but with Cameron Carter-Vickers still to return there is more solidity still to come.
Sporting CP v Celtic – Pre-Season Friendly Kieran Tierney of Celtic FC runs with the ball during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting de Lisboa and Celtic FC at Estadio Algarve in Faro, Portugal, on July 16, 2025. Faro Portugal Photo DAX Images
Celtic return to Glasgow with a strong performance under their belts and a clearer sense of where they stand. The pieces are falling into place — but as ever, there’s work still to do.
It’s onto Newcastle United on Saturday, for another stern test and a return home to Celtic Park, but this 2-0 win will set Celtic up nicely for that one.
Niall J
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.
