Celtic fought out a 2-2 draw with AC Milan in a chaotic pre-season friendly, with Camilo Duran’s standout display stealing the spotlight. The Colombian striker’s brace of goals in three games has set the bar for incoming Bodo/Glimt signing Kasper Hogh, while three fringe players failed to impress Martin O’Neill.

What happened in Milan?

The Scottish champions looked shaky early on, but Duran’s third goal in as many friendlies - a poacher’s finish after Strahinja Pavlovic’s error - and his assist for James Forrest’s second kept Celtic in the game. Milan clawed back twice in the second half through Francesco Camarda, exposing gaps at the back just weeks before the Premiership curtain-raiser.

Celtic ended the 2025 campaign third in the Premiership with 67 points from 33 games, three adrift of Hearts, and have won their last five matches on the bounce. Their recent form (WWWWW) and a 3-1 home win over Hearts on 16 May 2026 suggest momentum, but O’Neill’s side must tighten up before the 17 October 2026 home date with the same opponents.

Who stood out - and who didn’t?

Viljami Sinisalo earned a 7, making crucial stops after a quiet first half. Colby Donovan’s 7 came despite being harried by Davide Bartesaghi, while Cameron Carter-Vickers’ 6 was marred by a controversial penalty. Dane Murray’s 6 showed promise but crumbled against Camarda, and Kieran Tierney’s 5 highlighted Scotland’s lack of attacking punch.

Luke McCowan’s 6 stood out for his box-to-box graft, linking well with Duran to tee up Forrest. Callum McGregor, a fixture at Celtic’s Flag Day, earned a 6 despite whispers of a Saudi exit.

Why it matters for Celtic

Duran’s form means Hogh faces an uphill task to dislodge him, even after a club-record £11m move. O’Neill’s defensive frailties against Milan are a red flag ahead of the title defence, with Liam Scales suspended for the first two games. The Hoops’ 59 goals scored and +24 goal difference in 2025 show firepower, but their 35 conceded hint at work to do.

Celtic sit three points behind Hearts with a five-game winning streak, and their next test comes on 17 October 2026. The pre-season showed promise, but the flaws exposed must be fixed fast.