Celtic lead Kilmarnock by two goals at halftime, thanks to a well-worked finish from Reo Hatate and expert header from Liam Scales.
The Japanese midfielder calmly slotted the ball past Robby McCrorie in the Killie goal in the 17th minute.
A Matt OโRiley interception in the Kilmarnock box found Greg Taylor, who quickly fed Reo Hatate on the edge of the area.
Hatate then beat McCrorie at his near post with a cool finish, getting the first half underway in the right fashion.
๐ “๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ ๐๐๐ง๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐ฌ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ก๐๐๐ฉ ๐ค๐๐!”
Celtic didn’t take long to get underway this season – Reo Hatate opens the scoring against Kilmarnock โคต๏ธ pic.twitter.com/mIHY0X6jAy
โ Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 4, 2024
Hatate has impressed in pre-season in the United States, and despite links with a move to Leicester City, he has demonstrated exactly what he brings to this Celtic side so far, this afternoon.
The Bhoys continued to dominate possession, leading to a number of corners.
A Matt OโRiley outswinging corner in the 40th minute was aimed towards Liam Scales, who had made a run to the near post, evading his marker.
The Irishman headed the ball past McCrorie, leaving the Kilmarnock goalkeeper with no chance, putting the Hoops 2-0 up at Celtic Park on flag day.
โ๏ธ The ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐จ have been tipped in Celtic’s favour going into the break against Kilmarnock…
Watch half-time analysis live ๐๐๐๐ @SkyFootball ๐บ pic.twitter.com/Zxo1JMWTNY
โ Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) August 4, 2024
It has been a dominant first-half display against Derek McInnes’ Kilmarnock, and both supporters and Brendan Rodgers will be more than pleased with the performance at the break.
