Celtic 4-1 Chelsea (27 July 2024) Match Analysis

Chelsea are still without a win on their pre-season tour of the United States after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Celts at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana on Saturday.

After a 2-2 draw with Wrexham on Wednesday, Chelsea were beaten at the home of the famous university in their second game under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Celtic took the win themselves with two goals in 15 first-half minutes, through Matt O’Riley And Kyogo Furuhashibefore adding a lightning-quick double in the second half thanks to attacks from Luis Palma And Michael Johnston.

O’Riley found the net in the 19th minute with a cross-footed finish. Robert Sanchez after being found without a trace Greg Taylor. Celtic’s second goal again came from a run down the right, this time Furuhashi alone in the box to meet O’Riley’s low cross from close range.

Former Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu had a great chance to reduce the gap for Chelsea early in the second half but could not convert it into a goal after a tackle by a substitute in the first half Raheem Sterling blocked a shot.

Celtic then put the result on the line when Palma was gifted a simple finish after intense pressure from Brendan Rodgers forced a mistimed pass from Benoît Badiashile. A lack of accurate play by Chelsea allowed Johnston to run in behind to add a fourth goal.

Chelsea had to wait until the 89th minute to score from the penalty spot. Christopher Nkunku scored his second goal of pre-season when he beat the reserve goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo — for impression Kasper Schmeichel — after Sterling was tripped in the penalty area.

Chelsea will face Mexican giants América in Atlanta on Wednesday. Their Premier League season begins on August 18 with Manchester city.

Celtic are making further progress in their preparations for the new season, starting with a Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock next week.