Celtic FC kicked off their Scottish Premiership title defense in spectacular fashion, securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park. The match, held on August 4, 2024, showcased a revitalized Celtic side under the management of Brendan Rodgers, who celebrated the team’s triumph with fans amid a festive atmosphere.
The evening began with the ceremonial unfurling of the Scottish Premiership flag, accompanied by fireworks that set the tone for an exhilarating match. Celtic wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Reo Hatate opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Following a defensive error from Kilmarnock, Greg Taylor capitalized on the opportunity to assist Hatate, who struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Robby McCrorie with no chance.
As the match progressed, Celtic continued to apply pressure, and their efforts were rewarded again just before halftime. Liam Scales found the back of the net in the 40th minute, doubling Celtic’s lead. This time, it was Matt O’Riley who provided the assist, showcasing the team’s fluid attacking play and tactical awareness.
After the break, Kilmarnock attempted to regroup but struggled to contain the relentless Celtic attack. Nicolas Kuhn added to the scoreline in the 59th minute, demonstrating his prowess as he netted the third goal of the match. The assist came from Kyogo Furuhashi, who played a crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy throughout the game.
As the match neared its conclusion, Anthony Ralston capped off a memorable night for Celtic with a goal in the dying moments of the game. Ralston’s goal, scored in the 90+4 minute, marked his first since returning from injury, further highlighting the depth and resilience of the Celtic squad.
Manager Brendan Rodgers praised Hatate’s performance, referring to him as a “different animal” compared to last season. The Japanese midfielder had faced challenges due to injuries in the previous campaign, but his return to form was evident as he played a pivotal role in Celtic’s victory. Rodgers expressed his excitement about Hatate’s development, stating, “I’ve got to be honest, the player I’ve seen over the course of pre-season is the player I expected to see last season. He never really got to the level he wanted to consistently last season. Now I’m seeing a different animal. His mentality, his focus, the quality of his game. When he’s playing against bigger opponents, he’s shown he can play to a high level. He’s an outstanding footballer and he’ll be very important for us this season.”
Celtic’s victory not only marked a successful start to their title defense but also positioned them at the top of the table after the opening weekend of the Premiership. The team’s performance was a statement of intent, showcasing their ambition and readiness to reclaim the championship title.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Celtic to see if they can maintain this momentum and continue to build on their strong start. The combination of a solid squad, effective management, and the return of key players like Hatate could prove crucial in their quest for success in the Premiership.
Fans will be eagerly anticipating the next fixtures, hoping for more displays of skill and teamwork from their beloved team. With the foundation laid on this impressive opening weekend, Celtic appears poised to make a significant impact in the league this season.
