Celtic were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Sporting CP in a pre-season friendly in the Algarve, highlighting the need for urgent squad reinforcements ahead of the Champions League qualifiers. New £6m signing Camilo Duran scored a debut goal just 10 minutes after coming off the bench, but it was a rare positive in an otherwise disappointing display.
Duran's debut goal offers hope
The Colombian attacker, signed from Qarabag, chased down defender Eduardo Quaresma, stole the ball, and slotted home to level the score at 1-1 in the 62nd minute. His goal was reminiscent of Daizen Maeda's pressing style, and he is seen as a potential replacement for the Japanese forward, who is expected to leave. However, Duran's impact was short-lived as Sporting struck back within minutes.
Sporting's pace exposes Celtic's defensive frailties
Sporting dominated the first half, with Geny Catamo and Ricardo Mangas missing early sitters before Catamo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, converting Gabriel Silva's cutback. Stand-in left-back Liam Scales struggled against Catamo's pace. Celtic were fortunate to be only 1-0 down at halftime, as Sporting's quick attacking play caused constant problems.
After Duran's equalizer, Sporting regained the lead through Daniel Braganca after a defensive mix-up involving substitute goalkeeper Ross Doohan and defender Dane Murray. A three-goal blitz in eight minutes saw Ricardo Mangas score from close range and Braganca add another, leaving Celtic with a 4-1 defeat.
Fans frustrated by lack of signings
Celtic fans have been increasingly vocal about the club's slow transfer activity, with more new kits released this summer than new players. A pocket of supporters in the stands chanted 'sack the board' in a tongue-in-cheek manner, but the frustration reflects genuine concern. The squad is currently weaker than the one that won the Double last season, with key players like Callum McGregor, Arne Engels, and Reo Hatate linked with moves away.
Midfield crossroads for Paulo Bernardo
Paulo Bernardo, who joined Celtic permanently for £3.5m after a loan spell from Benfica, played 45 minutes but failed to impress. He had an effort cleared off the line and showed neat touches but lacked impact. With Engels and Hatate expected to leave, Bernardo could see an opportunity to force his way back into the team, but he needs to perform better.
Returning internationals set to change the picture
Celtic are set to welcome back several World Cup stars in the coming days, including Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, Benjamin Nygren, Yang Hyun-jun, Sebastian Tounekti, and Daizen Maeda. Their return will strengthen the squad, but the club may have to fend off bids for Johnston and Nygren, while Maeda is expected to leave. The returning players will be crucial for the upcoming Premiership opener and Champions League qualifier.
Pre-season still a work in progress
Manager Brendan O'Neill has said he wants to implement his own style this season, but with so many players missing, it has been difficult to see that so far. Celtic have two more friendlies—against Middlesbrough and AC Milan—before the league season begins. The team needs to address defensive issues and integrate new signings quickly to be ready for the crucial qualifier in five weeks.
According to Record Sport, the 4-1 defeat shows that the cheque book must come out soon to strengthen the squad and satisfy the fans' demands.
