Ruthless Celtic rounded off their stunning USA pre-season tour in style after thrashing star-studded Chelsea 4-1.
Matt O’Riley broke the deadlock after 19 minutes as he curled the ball into the far corner from just inside the box. It was an end-to-end game and Chelsea probed for an equaliser and Kasper Schmeichel pulled off some terrific stops. But it was the Hoops who doubled their lead on the half-hour mark as unmarked Kyogo was picked out by O’Riley with a low cross to the back post.
It was an impressive first 45 minutes, although the Scottish champions will be sweating over the fitness of minutes before the break. Celts had to withstand some pressure in the second-half as Enzo Maresca’s men attempted to suffocate the Bhoys with a high press. Sub Raheem Sterling cracked the woodwork while Noni Madueke also spurned the chance to grab one back.
Brendan Rodgers made a host of changes for the final 15 minutes but that didn’t disrupt the team’s rhythm as goals from subs Palma and Mikey Johnston piled on the misery for the Stamford Bridge side. Chelsea did get a late consolation as Sterling was tripped by youngster Colby Donovan, with Nkunku dispatching from 12 yards out. But there was no chance of a comeback as Celtic ended their Stateside tour with a third successive win. Here, picks out the six standouts.
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