Celtic concluded their pre-season tour of the United States with a resounding 4-1 victory over Chelsea, leaving fans buzzing for the new season.
Among those celebrating was new signing Kasper Schmeichel, who took to Instagram to share his thoughts: “Great way to finish the US tour! Strong team performance against Chelsea. Thanks for your support.”
The Dane joined the club during the tour and has made some outstanding saves during wins against Man City and Chelsea.
The Hoops showcased their dominance at Notre Dame Stadium in Indiana. Matt O’Riley set the tone early, netting the opening goal in the 19th minute with a composed finish. Kyogo Furuhashi added to the tally in the 33rd minute, showing his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
The second half saw Celtic maintain their grip on the game. Luis Palma struck in the 76th minute, further asserting the team’s control. Just three minutes later, Mikey Johnston sealed the victory with a precise finish, putting the result beyond doubt. Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku managed a consolation goal in the 89th minute from the spot, but it did little to overshadow Celtic’s commanding performance.
Kasper Schmeichel’s post highlighted the collective effort and growing confidence within the squad. His arrival has brought a new level of security between the posts, reminiscent of the days when Artur Boruc and Fraser Forster provided that last line of defence. Schmeichel’s presence is expected to be crucial as Celtic aim for domestic success and a strong showing in Europe.
The pre-season tour has been nothing short of stellar for Celtic, with earlier victories including a 4-0 win over DC United and a thrilling 4-3 triumph against Manchester City. These results have set a positive tone and built momentum as the team heads into the new season.
As Schmeichel noted, the support from fans has been fantastic, and their backing will be essential as the team faces the challenges ahead. The pre-season successes have given everyone associated with the club a reason to be optimistic.
The proper football action kicks off next week when Kilmarnock visits Celtic Park.
