Ruthless Celtic Hit Four Past Newcastle in Pre-Season Statement | OneFootball

Celtic produced a clinical display to dispatch Newcastle United 4-0 in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park. With goals coming from four different scorers, the Bhoys looked sharp and full of intent, overwhelming a Magpies side still shaking off early summer rust…

Kieran Trippier of Newcastle reacts after Newcastle concede a penalty during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The home support were treated to a high-tempo opening and a commanding all-round performance that will give Brendan Rodgers encouragement as preparations ramp up for the new campaign.

The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Reo Hatate capitalised on a poor clearance from Jamaal Lascelles. Although his initial shot from distance was parried away by Dubravka, Celtic sustained the pressure. A recycled attack saw Kieran Tierney whip in a pinpoint cross, which Liam Scales met with a thumping header into the bottom corner to double the Hoops’ advantage and energise the home crowd.

Arne Engels scores the first goal from the penalty spot during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Celtic’s pre-season form had already drawn attention from fans keeping tabs via betting sites UK, many of which had the Bhoys as clear favourites ahead of kick-off. Online platforms often provide better odds, more flexible in-play options, and early access to team news than traditional bookmakers, making them increasingly popular among punters. For this match, some outlets had priced a Celtic win at 5/4, with enhanced odds on new signings scoring—value that clearly paid off for those who backed the home side with confidence.

Liam Scales heads in the 4th Celtic goal during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Earlier in the first half, it was summer signing Gustaf Engels who opened the scoring from the spot. The Swedish midfielder showed composure beyond his years, sending Pope the wrong way after being brought down in the box by Bruno Guimarães. Engels’ contribution in midfield was notable throughout the half, blending physicality with a tidy passing range that bodes well for competitive fixtures to come.

Before the interval, Celtic took full control with their third goal. A misplaced clearance from Nick Pope—who came racing out of his box and missed his header—gifted an open goal to Ben Kenny. The forward reacted sharply, showing great awareness to collect Schmeichel’s deflected cross and calmly slot into the net, extending Celtic’s advantage to 3-0 just before the break.

Eddie Howe Head Coach of Newcastle reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

In the second half, Celtic made a string of changes, but the energy and intensity never dipped. The fourth goal arrived early after the restart and was a thing of beauty. Daizen Maeda raced down the left flank, slicing through the defence before cutting inside and delivering a low cross into the area. It was Hyun-Jun who arrived late to meet it with a composed finish, slotting confidently past Dubravka to cap off a ruthless team move.

Despite wholesale changes from both sides, Celtic maintained a tight structure, and their defensive substitutes held strong against brief spells of Newcastle possession. Sinisalo, who replaced Schmeichel in goal, made two impressive saves late on—first denying Elanga and then reacting quickly to palm away a fierce header from Neave. His reflexes ensured Celtic preserved their clean sheet and rounded off a dominant performance.

Newcastle United fans watch the action during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Newcastle, for their part, struggled to string together meaningful attacking moves, even after a full second-half reshuffle. Eddie Howe’s side saw efforts from Schär and Bruno Guimarães sail high or wide, while their best chance came from a corner that was expertly punched clear. Without clear rhythm or cutting edge, their attacking threat never fully materialised.

By full-time, the 4-0 scoreline reflected Celtic’s efficiency and superior organisation. Goals from Arne Engels, Johnny Kenny, Liam Scales and Yang Hyun-Jun highlighted the squad’s depth and the blend of experience and youth within Rodgers’ evolving system. With further friendlies ahead and Champions League qualifiers on the horizon, this result sets a solid tone heading into a vital stretch of preparation.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic fans will be buoyed by not just the result, but the fluid attacking play and improved fitness levels on show. While the opposition may have been disjointed, the Hoops’ performance was anything but, suggesting that this group is ready to take further steps forward as the 2025/26 season approaches.

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