Celts kick off season 2024/25 in style with fantastic four on Flag Day | OneFootball

Scottish PremiershipSunday, August 4, 2024Celtic Park, Glasgow

CELTIC... 4(Hatate 17, Scales 40, Kuhn 59, Ralston 90 + 4)

KILMARNOCK... 0

The reigning champions of Scotland got off to the perfect start for season 2024/25 today (Sunday) at Celtic Park as they defeated Kilmarnock 4-0. The atmosphere inside the stadium before kick-off was excellent as the supporters held up a full stadium display in celebration of Flag Day. Lisbon Lion, Jim Craig, received a brilliant reception before unfurling the league flag to signal the start of the season for the champions.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had full control of the game from the off and with 17 minutes on the clock, they took the lead. Greg Taylor slipped the ball to Reo Hatate near the edge of the box and the Japanese midfielder buried it low in to the corner. The Celts looked hungry for goals all afternoon as they continued to create chances in an attempt to double their lead. A good shot from Kyogo which looked destined for the top corner was saved well by the Killie keeper as the Hoops piled on the pressure. Five minutes before half time Liam Scales made it 2-0 as he headed home from a Matt O’Riley corner. O’Riley’s delivery found Scales who rose highest, and his header looped over McCrorie in the Kilmarnock goal and nestled in the net.

Scales almost got his second of the afternoon in the second half. His shot from inside the box in the 57th minute was blocked on the line as the champions continued to look for more goals. And they soon got their third through Nicolas Kuhn.

With just under an hour played, Kuhn went on a marauding run from his right wing position, cutting inside and getting a shot away. His shot was deflected by a Kilmarnock defender but it rose over the keeper and in to the net, prompting an interesting (and clearly choreographed) celebration from Kuhn, O’Riley and Kyogo.

Kyogo had the ball in the net in the 80th minute after a brilliant touch and finish but a VAR review showed that he was marginally offside.

There was then a big penalty shout after the Kilmarnock keeper clattered Kyogo in the penalty area. However, replays showed that the striker was probably offside in the build-up.

The game looked to be heading for a 3-0 victory to the Hoops, but with a minute remaining of the match, Anthony Ralston made it four. Kyogo’s shot was saved and parried in to the path of Ralston who slammed the ball into the net.

Kasper Schmeichel will be delighted with his first experience of Paradise, recording a clean sheet and a thumping 4-0 victory.

Brendan Rodgers and his men will now turn their attentions to a trip to Easter Road next weekend where they'll be looking for another three points.