Nicolas Kuhn was the standout performer of the match, scoring two crucial goals, while Luis Palma provided the decisive moment by netting the winner in the 68th minute. This impressive performance helped secure a thrilling 4-3 victory for Celtic over Manchester City in an exciting pre-season friendly that took place on Tuesday.
In a notable appearance, Norway’s Erling Haaland, who was wearing the captain’s armband for Manchester City for the very first time, made his mark by nodding home an equalizer in the 57th minute. However, it was the Honduran international Palma who turned out to be the hero, tapping in the winning goal during a breakaway at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Memorial Stadium, catching the City defense off guard.
This match served as an important tune-up for both teams as they prepare for the start of the 2024-25 campaigns next month. Celtic, the proud winners of the last three consecutive Scottish Premiership titles, faced off against the formidable four-time defending English Premier League champions, Manchester City, who are currently in the midst of a US tour to further hone their skills.
With several of City’s top stars resting after their participation in the recent European Championships, manager Pep Guardiola took advantage of this friendly to closely evaluate some of the younger talent within his squad, giving them a chance to showcase their abilities on a larger stage.
Notably, the match marked the Celtic debut for goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, the experienced 37-year-old Dane who began his professional career with Manchester City back in 2006. He played the entire first half for the Hoops, showcasing his skills in front of a demanding crowd.
Throughout the match, the German right wing Kuhn excelled, netting a first-half brace for Celtic during his fourth pre-season match with the team. After being down 3-1 at half-time, City quickly responded just seconds into the second half when they brought in 21-year-old Argentine substitute Maximo Perrone. He made an immediate impact by scoring with a left-footed shot from the right side into the far corner on his very first touch of the ball.
Haaland demonstrated his ability by heading in a well-placed centering pass from his countryman, Oscar Bobb, in the 57th minute, lifting City to level the score at three goals each. The excitement in the stadium was palpable as both teams continued to battle for supremacy.
However, Celtic struck again to score the winner in the 68th minute. Palma, who had entered the game just three minutes earlier, finished off a dynamic three-man breakaway after Manchester City’s defenders were caught flat-footed in midfield while pressing forward. His cool finish was the difference-maker in this closely contested match.
In the 76th minute, City substitute Ben Knight had a chance to equalize once again, but he was denied by Celtic’s second-half goalkeeper, Viljami Sinisalo of Finland, who skillfully knocked the ball over the crossbar, preserving Celtic’s lead.
Kuhn set the momentum for Celtic by opening the scoring in the 13th minute. He received a pass on the right side, charged toward City’s starting goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega, and fired a precise left-footed shot that found the back of the net just inside the far post, igniting the Celtic supporters.
The action continued as Schmeichel made several impressive saves, denying Haaland in the 23rd minute by using his right hand to parry a powerful left-footed shot, assisted by James McAtee. In the 31st minute, Schmeichel again showcased his skills, this time swatting away another left-footed shot from Haaland, demonstrating his experience and agility in goal.
Manchester City finally equalized in the 33rd minute when Haaland cleverly flicked the ball to his teammate Bobb, who was rushing in. Bobb unleashed a powerful shot that deflected off Schmeichel before bouncing into the goal, bringing City back into the game.
Kuhn responded quickly for Celtic in the 36th minute, making a swift run down the right wing before pulling back the ball to evade a defender. He then curled a stunning left-footed blast high into the goal, restoring Celtic’s lead.
Celtic extended their advantage to 3-1 just before half-time in the 44th minute when Kuhn delivered a perfectly timed centering pass to Japan’s speedy Kyogo Furuhashi. Furuhashi split two defenders, evaded Ortega, and slotted in a left-footed shot from a steep angle, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.
Looking ahead, Manchester City will continue their US tour with an upcoming match against AC Milan at New York’s Yankee Stadium on Saturday. They also have scheduled matches next week against Barcelona in Orlando and Chelsea in Columbus, Ohio, where they will seek to build momentum and rhythm ahead of the new season.
Celtic will also face Chelsea on Saturday in South Bend, Indiana, providing another exciting fixture for the team as they gear up for their own campaign.
