Celtic 4-1 Chelsea (Jul 27, 2024) Game Analysis

Chelsea remain without a win on their preseason tour of the United States following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Celtic at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana on Saturday.

Following a 2-2 draw with Wrexham on Wednesday, Chelsea were well beaten on the grounds of the famed university in the second game in charge for new manager Enzo Maresca.

Celtic propelled themselves to victory with two goals in 15 first-half minutes, through Matt O’Riley and Kyogo Furuhashi, before adding a quick-fire double in the second half thanks to strikes from Luis Palma and Michael Johnston.

O’Riley found the net in the 19th minute with a side-footed finish past Robert Sánchez after being found unmarked by Greg Taylor. Celtic’s second goal again came from a move down the right, this time Furuhashi left all alone in the box to turn in O’Riley’s low cross from close range.

Ex-Barcelona teenager Marc Guiu had a glorious chance to reduce Chelsea’s deficit early in the second half but failed to convert on the rebound after half-time substitute Raheem Sterling had a shot saved.

Celtic then put the result beyond doubt when Palma was gifted a simple finish after intense pressure from Brendan Rodgers’ side forced an errant pass from Benoît Badiashile. Further sloppy play from Chelsea allowed Johnston to run in behind to add a fourth.

Chelsea had to wait until the 89th minute to find the net courtesy of a penalty. Christopher Nkunku got his second goal of preseason when beating substitute goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo — on for the impressive Kasper Schmeichel — after Sterling was tripped in the box.

Chelsea will next face Mexican giants América on Wednesday in Atlanta. Their Premier League season begins on Aug. 18 against Manchester City.

Celtic are further ahead in their preparations for the new season, which they begin with a Scottish Premiership clash against Kilmarnock in a week’s time.