Celtic Victorious in Champions Friendly

In perhaps the most expensive friendly in a long time, Celtic defeated Villareal 2-0 today. Shaun Maloney got his first Champions League goal with an assist from the Villareal keeper after Mark Wilson sent a cross off the hands of the keeper and onto Maloney’s head. The Wee Man sent the ball into an open net in the 14th minute. Aiden McGeady finished off the first half by netting home a shot just outside the box after a brilliant build up by Celtic. For a game meaning fuck all little, fans certainly got an entertaining affair. Celtic created lots of chances and played some pretty attractive football. Of course, it was way too little way too late, but hopefully Gordon Strachan takes not that good passing and attacking movement brings success in the Champions League, not flash in the pan defensive/counterattacking formations. Celtic saw the return of Aiden McGeady and Georgios Samaras from injury, as well as a return of Shunsuke Nakamura to the lineup, after missing the weekend’s match against Hibs. Naka played wonderfully finding the open man and making pretty passes all night. Andres Hinkel also put in a good shift. Hinkel had bounds of room on the wing after Villareal was reduced to ten men. Going into a big run in the SPL, it was also refreshing to see a healthy Aiden McGeady run rampant on the Villareal defense. The team at Celtic Park tonight and the team in the Capital at Easter Road were like night and day, and I would hope the lineup seen tonight would also get a run out against Hearts this weekend.

Category: Celtic, Champions League, Match Reports

Tags: Aiden McGeady, Andres Hinkel, Celtic, Champions League, Georgios Samaras, Glorified Friendlies, Mark Wilson, Match Reports, Shaun Maloney, Shunsuke Nakamura, Villareal

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