MAN CITY vs CELTIC: 2024 CITY EDGED OUT IN SEVEN GOAL CELTIC THRILLER Manchester City kicked off their pre-season tour of the United States with a 4-3 loss to Celtic in North Carolina. Despite a spirited effort in the second half, City fell short after a first-half brace from Nicolas Kuhn and a goal by Kyogo Furuhashi had put Celtic ahead at halftime, despite Oscar Bobb also finding the net for City.
With Celtic’s Scottish Premier League campaign looming just over a week away, their match sharpness showed in the North Carolina heat at Kenan Memorial Stadium. However, City mounted a comeback in the second half, led by the impressive performance of Oscar Bobb, who helped equalize with goals from Maximo Perrone and Erling Haaland. Unfortunately, a late goal by substitute Luis Palma sealed the victory for the Scottish champions.
Although the result was disappointing for City, the match highlighted positive aspects of their pre-season preparations, particularly the debuts of academy products Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Jadel Katongo, Joel Ndala, and Nico O’Reilly at the senior level.
Match Recap: MAN CITY vs CELTIC
Manchester City, with Erling Haaland serving as captain, fielded a starting XI blending seasoned internationals with promising academy talents. Youngsters Simpson-Pusey and O’Reilly made their senior debuts from the outset, with O’Reilly nearly scoring early on with a shot into the side netting after a swift counterattack.
Despite City’s promising start, Celtic took the lead ten minutes later when Kuhn capitalized on space down the left flank, firing a shot into the far corner despite pressure from Josh Wilson-Esbrand. Celtic’s early-season form gave them an edge in the match, but City gradually found their footing.
City had a chance to equalize when Kasper Schmeichel, formerly of City, made a superb reaction save to deny Haaland. The duel between Haaland and Schmeichel continued, with the Danish goalkeeper making another impressive save as Haaland attempted to chip the ball home. As the half progressed, City began to assert themselves and find their rhythm.
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City’s pressure paid off shortly after O’Reilly’s clever cut-back, which Haaland dummied into the path of an unmarked Bobb. Despite Schmeichel’s effort to block it, Bobb’s shot had enough power to trickle into the Celtic net, leveling the score.
However, the parity was short-lived as Kuhn found the net again, receiving a pass down the right, feinting inside, and curling a shot past Ortega Moreno. Kuhn nearly assisted Rio Hatate moments later, but Hatate’s shot missed the target, much to City’s relief.
Celtic extended their lead before halftime when Kyogo seized an opportunity behind City’s defense, rounded Ortega Moreno, and finished into an empty net.
City started the second half strongly with Bobb instrumental once more. His play down the right set up Perrone, who calmly slotted home to make it 3-2.
Guardiola’s side dominated early in the second half, with Ndala almost scoring on his senior debut, forcing a save from Celtic’s substitute goalkeeper Sinisalo after cutting in from the left.
The equalizer came from the captain, Haaland, just before the hour mark. Bobb delivered a cross from the left to the far post, where Haaland powered home a header to level the score again.
With 20 minutes left, Celtic capitalized on a defensive lapse by City, allowing Palma to tap in after receiving a squared ball.
City continued to press, with Ben Knight’s fierce shot tipped over the bar by Sinisalo, but despite their efforts, they fell short in a pulsating match.
Line-ups for the Match: MAN CITY vs CELTIC
Manchester City XI:
Stefan Ortega Moreno guarded the goal, supported by a defensive quartet consisting of Rico Lewis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, Luke Mbete, and Josh Wilson-Esbrand.
Kalvin Phillips anchored the midfield trio, providing freedom for James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly to advance into attacking positions.
Up front, Oscar Bobb and Jack Grealish operated on the wings, with Erling Haaland leading the attack.
City Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega Moreno (replaced by Ederson at 46’)
- Defenders: Rico Lewis (replaced by Jadel Katongo at 64’), Jahmai Simpson-Pusey
- Defenders Continued: Luke Mbete (replaced by Doyle at 46’), Josh Wilson-Esbrand (replaced by Jadel Katongo at 64’)
- Midfielders: Kalvin Phillips (replaced by Susoho at 46’)
- Midfielders Continued: Nico O’Reilly (replaced by Perrone at 46’), James McAtee (replaced by Ndala at 46’)
- Forwards: Oscar Bobb, Jack Grealish (replaced by Ben Knight at 68’)
- Captain: Erling Haaland (replaced by Hamilton at 68’)
Substitutes: Carson, Wright, Galvez, Oboavwoduo, Heskey, Fatah, Mfuni, Samuel
Celtic XI:
Kasper Schmeichel started in goal, protected by a backline featuring Ralston (replaced by Donovan at 46’), Welsh (replaced by Lagerbielke at 64’), Scales (replaced by Kobayashi at 64’), and Taylor.
The midfield was led by captain Callum McGregor, flanked by O’Riley, Hatate (replaced by Yang at 64’), and Kuhn (replaced by Forrest at 46’).
In attack, Maeda and Kyogo were supported by Palma (replaced by Sinisalo at 64’).
Celtic Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel (replaced by Viljami Sinisalo at 46’)
- Defenders: Ralston (replaced by Donovan at 46’), Welsh (replaced by Lagerbielke at 64’), Scales (replaced by Kobayashi at 64’), Taylor
- Midfielders: McGregor (Captain) (replaced by Anderson at 64’), O’Riley, Hatate (replaced by Yang at 64’)
- Forwards: Kuhn (replaced by Forrest at 46’), Maeda, Kyogo (replaced by Palma at 64’)
Substitutes: Bain, Holm, Kwon, Tomoki, Lawal, Murray, Dede, Turley, M. Johnston
Up Next for Manchester City
Manchester City continues their pre-season tour with an upcoming match against AC Milan at Yankee Stadium in New York on Saturday evening.
Kick-off: 23:00 (UK time)
Live Streaming: Available on CITY+ in the following countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and United Arab Emirates.
Coverage: Stay updated with comprehensive coverage on the official Man City app, featuring live Matchday Centre updates, a detailed match report, and post-match reactions from the manager and players.
Highlights: Highlights of the match will be available shortly after the final whistle, accessible worldwide except in Brazil and the United States.
Manchester City vs. Celtic: Latest Updates
Explore the latest updates and highlights from Manchester City’s pre-season clash against Celtic:
- Guardiola Applauds Bobb: Pep Guardiola praises Oscar Bobb for his standout performance in City’s pre-season opener against Celtic. Watch more
- Match Highlights: Manchester City’s pre-season tour kicks off with a 4-3 defeat to Celtic in North Carolina. Watch extended highlights
- Photo Gallery: View the best moments captured during City’s exciting pre-season match against Celtic at Kenan Memorial Stadium. View more
- Bobb’s Learning Curve: Oscar Bobb reflects on his experience and growth within City’s senior squad. Watch more
- Positive Takeaways: Despite the defeat, Guardiola sees encouraging signs in City’s performance against Celtic. Read more
- Guardiola’s Reflection: Pep Guardiola expresses satisfaction with City’s efforts in the North Carolina leg of their US Tour. Watch more
