REO HATATE lashed in Celtic’s first goal of the 2024/25 campaign as the champions thundered to a 4-0 triumph over Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Flag Day.
The Japanese international midfielder, beset by injury problems last season, deservedly won the Man of the Match accolade and earned praise from delighted boss Brendan Rodgers afterwards, as CQN reported earlier today.
Hatate’s devastatingly accurate drive from just inside the box in the 17th minute opened the way for Liam Scales to bullet in an unstoppable header from an astute Matt O’Riley left-wing corner-kick delivery to double the hosts’ advantage before the interval.
JUST CHAMPION…Reo Hatate acknowledges the Celtic fans after his goal. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
Nicolas Kuhn claimed the third after a searing run on the right before cutting inside onto his left foot to thump in a shot that took a nick off defender Lewis Mayo on its way past the overworked Robby McCrorie.
It was left to Anthony Ralston to claim the fourth goal with his first Premiership strike since his stoppage-time winner against Ross County in Dingwall on December 15 2021.
It was the perfect start to the new crusade and is well worth a second look courtesy of those good folk at Celtic TV Unique Angle.
Please enjoy!
