Goals and summary of the Ajax 5-1 Celtic Friendly Match

Ajax delivered a commanding performance against Celtic in their friendly match on July 24, 2025, securing a 5-1 victory. The match, part of the Como Cup, showcased Ajax’s attacking prowess, with Steven Berghuis netting two goals. Celtic’s lone goal came from Yang, but the team struggled defensively, particularly in the second half, where they conceded four goals without reply. This match served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead for Celtic as they prepare for the new season.

Match Overview

• The friendly match between Ajax and Celtic took place on July 24, 2025, at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia in Como, Italy.
• Ajax emerged victorious with a score of 5-1, showcasing their offensive strength and tactical superiority.
• This match was part of the Como Cup, a pre-season tournament aimed at preparing teams for the upcoming season.

First Half Highlights

• Ajax opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning curled finish from Steven Berghuis, who found the back of the net from outside the box.
• Celtic responded quickly, equalizing just four minutes later. Yang Hyun-Jun capitalized on a through ball from Reo Hatate, after a long pass from Kieran Tierney split the Ajax defense.
• Celtic had a strong presence in the first half, dominating possession and creating several chances, including a shot from Adam Idah that hit the woodwork.
• Despite their efforts, Celtic could not convert their possession into more goals, and the first half ended in a 1-1 draw.

Second Half Dynamics

• The second half saw a shift in momentum as Ajax regained control of the match.
• In the 58th minute, Davy Klaassen restored Ajax’s lead with a volley after Celtic’s goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel parried a shot off the line.
• Ajax capitalized on a defensive error from Celtic, with Berghuis scoring his second goal in the 66th minute, finding the top corner from inside the penalty area.
• The young defender Aaron Bouwman added to the scoreline with a spectacular 25-yard strike that left Schmeichel with no chance, making it 4-1.
• Finally, Rayane Bounida, a 19-year-old midfielder, capped off the scoring with a beautifully curled shot into the far post, sealing the match at 5-1.

Player Performances

• Steven Berghuis: The standout player for Ajax, scoring two goals and demonstrating excellent positioning and finishing skills.
• Davy Klaassen: Played a crucial role in midfield, not only scoring but also contributing to the overall team play.
• Yang Hyun-Jun: Despite the loss, he was a bright spot for Celtic, showing pace and skill to score their only goal.
• Kasper Schmeichel: The Celtic goalkeeper faced a barrage of shots and made several key saves, but ultimately could not prevent the heavy defeat.

Tactical Analysis

• Ajax employed a high-pressing game, which disrupted Celtic’s build-up play and forced them into mistakes.
• Celtic’s midfield struggled to maintain possession in the second half, leading to quick transitions from Ajax that resulted in goals.
• The defensive organization of Celtic was tested, particularly after the break, revealing vulnerabilities that need addressing before the season starts.

Post-Match Reactions

• Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, expressed disappointment in the team’s defensive performance but acknowledged the need for improvement ahead of the new season.
• Ajax’s coach praised his team’s attacking display and highlighted the importance of building momentum as they prepare for competitive fixtures.

Looking Ahead

• Celtic will need to regroup and focus on their defensive strategies as they prepare for their next match against Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
• Ajax, on the other hand, will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures, aiming to solidify their status as a top contender in European football.

Conclusion

The 5-1 defeat for Celtic against Ajax in the Como Cup was a wake-up call for the Scottish side. While they showed moments of promise, particularly in the first half, the second half exposed significant weaknesses that need to be addressed. Ajax’s performance, highlighted by Berghuis’s brilliance, sets a high standard as they move forward in their pre-season preparations.Bookmark messageCopy messageExportScroll to bottom

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