REO HATATE and Luke McCowan gave Celtic a winning send-off to their week-long pre-season preparations in Portugal last night.
And the Hoops did it in some style with a 2-0 triumph over the nation’s champions Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve.
Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 3-2 to Estrela da Amadora in a closed-door encounter at Benfica’s training HQ in Lisbon at the weekend, but they made no mistake second time around.
The Japanese midfielder got the opening goal via the penalty spot two minutes after the turnaround following a foul on Johnny Kenny, who had replaced Adam Idah at the interval.
The keeper got a hand to Hatate’s shot low down to the right, but couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line.
HAPPY DAZE…Reo Hatate celebrates his opening goal with Kieran Tierney about to join in.
In the 71st minute, the inexhaustible McCowan started and finished a flowing move to make certain of victory.
The busy middle-of-the-park performer picked up the ball deep in his own half and swept a pass out to Kenny on the left. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international beat an opponent as he took off at high speed for the danger zone.
McCowan kept pace stride for stride and was in the perfect position to accept a pass inside from Kenny, trick his way past a challenge and then slide the ball home with the utmost ease.
The goals are certainly worth a second look, courtesy those good folk at Celtic TV Unique Angle.
Please enjoy!
