Ajax 5-1 Celtic – Humbled in Como, some positives but plenty of concerns

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The Celtic Star

·25 Juli 2025

Ajax 5-1 Celtic – Humbled in Como, some positives but plenty of concerns

Celtic last night were humbled in Como by Ajax, but we can take some positives as well as the negatives…

COMO, ITALY – JULY 24: Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium ahead of the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

In life there are glass half empty kinda folk, while some prefer to look on the bright side of life. I tend to place myself in the latter category.

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Last night’s defeat at the hands of Ajax in Como whilst undoubtedly a sore one, was little more than a training exercise in preparation for next season which kicks off in just over a week. Celtic were the better side in the first half, picking up from where we left off against Sporting and Newcastle, but we failed to take our chances, hitting the bar twice, before going in level at the break thanks to a decent finish from Yang after a great Celtic move.

Raul Moro of Ajax competes for the ball with Anthony Ralston of Celtic FC during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Celtic’s second half performance though was a real concern

The second half though was a real concern, Ajax adjusted their tactics to counter Celtic’s control of the ball and it worked a treat for the Dutch side. Yes there were negatives such as the way we crumbled in the second period with our defence looking very suspect to say the least.

It goes without saying that it will weigh heavy on the mind of some with the season almost upon us, and of course a Champions League play off to negotiate in four weeks time.

However we must also consider the glass half full aspects of the match in Como and concentrate on the positives such as the classy display of Kieran Tierney, or the superb showing of young Dane Murray who looked calmed and assured in his 45 minute appearance. It was no coincidence that we buckled in the second half as both players made way.

Daizen Maeta of Celtic FC and Vitezslav Jaros of Ajax jump for the ball during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Cameron Carter Vickers also got some much needed match practice although he was as culpable as the rest of his defensive partners in that dreadful second half, but what mattered most is that he got the minutes under his belt.

Ajax provided Celtic with a reality check in the second half in Como

Yes there were negatives in the second half in particular, but in the end it was nothing more than a training exercise where our mistakes are better happening than when the proper action starts. Losing To Celtic will certainly not derail Sporting or Newcastle’s season – although it may make them look at their squad and make an extra signing or two. Likewise losing to Ajax is a similar reality check for Celtic but it must be taken in context.

A general view of the Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium during the Como Cup match between Ajax and Celtic FC at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on July 24, 2025 in Como, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

And even when beating the Portuguese Champions and the Premier League’s richest club, we were sill all looking for the signings we need. That goalscorer, those wingers and perhaps another centre-half. Nothing has changed after last night, expect the calls will get louder and more urgent, and that’s only from Brendan himself.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.