Celtic vs Milan ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Celtic Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026, as AC Milan fought back from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils in their opening pre-season friendly.
Celtic looked on course for an impressive victory after taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half. However, Milan produced a strong response after the break, with teenage forward Francesco Camarda scoring twice to bring the Italian side level.
The result gave both teams plenty to consider ahead of the new season, with the match providing an important opportunity for players to build fitness and impress their respective coaching staffs.
Celtic vs Milan: Match Result
Goals:
- 12′ Camilo Durán — Celtic
- 28′ James Forrest — Celtic
- 47′ Francesco Camarda — AC Milan, penalty
- 53′ Francesco Camarda — AC Milan
Celtic made the stronger start and were rewarded with two goals before half-time. Camilo Durán continued his encouraging pre-season form by opening the scoring, before experienced winger James Forrest doubled the hosts’ advantage.
Milan, however, responded immediately after the interval.
Camarda converted a penalty early in the second half before heading home his second goal several minutes later to complete Milan’s comeback.
Celtic Take Control in the First Half
Celtic entered the match looking to finish their pre-season preparations on a positive note, and they started with considerable attacking intent.
Durán put the Scottish champions ahead after 12 minutes, adding another goal to his growing pre-season tally. His performance was one of the early highlights for the home side.
Celtic then extended their advantage through Forrest in the 28th minute. The experienced winger’s goal gave the hosts a 2-0 lead and put Milan under significant pressure.
With two goals separating the sides at the break, Celtic appeared to have put themselves in an excellent position to secure a memorable victory against the Serie A giants.
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Camarda Leads Milan’s Second-Half Comeback
Milan’s response after half-time completely changed the direction of the match.
Camarda pulled one goal back from the penalty spot shortly after the restart. The 18-year-old forward then struck again just minutes later to level the contest at 2-2.
The double was particularly encouraging for Milan as the club began its pre-season campaign with a squad containing a mixture of experienced players and emerging young talent.
Camarda’s performance was arguably the biggest individual talking point from the Rossoneri’s comeback, demonstrating his ability to make an impact when given an opportunity.
Celtic vs Milan Highlights Key Pre-Season Lessons
Although the result will attract plenty of attention, the context of the match is important.
This was a pre-season friendly rather than a competitive fixture, meaning both teams were primarily focused on improving fitness, testing tactical approaches and giving players valuable minutes before the start of their respective campaigns.
For Celtic, the first half offered plenty of encouragement. The Hoops scored twice and showed enough attacking threat to trouble a major European opponent.
However, allowing Milan to recover from a two-goal deficit will also give the coaching staff areas to work on before competitive football begins.
For Milan, the comeback was the most positive aspect of the afternoon. Going two goals behind could have resulted in a difficult opening to pre-season, but Camarda’s two goals ensured the Rossoneri left Glasgow with a draw.
Why the Celtic vs Milan Result Matters
The 2-2 scoreline provides an intriguing snapshot of where both clubs stand ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Celtic are preparing to defend their Scottish Premiership title, with their competitive campaign approaching. The club’s official fixture information confirmed that the meeting with Milan was scheduled for July 25 at Celtic Park.
Milan, meanwhile, used the fixture as the beginning of their pre-season preparations. The Italian giants were able to give players valuable playing time while also allowing younger members of the squad to experience a demanding atmosphere away from home.
The contrasting halves also make the draw particularly useful from a tactical perspective. Celtic demonstrated their attacking potential before the break, while Milan showed resilience and attacking quality after the interval.
Francesco Camarda Emerges as Milan’s Main Talking Point
Camarda was undoubtedly one of the biggest stories from Celtic vs Milan.
The young forward changed the match after coming on and scored twice in quick succession. His first goal came from the penalty spot before he completed the comeback with a header.
For a young player attempting to establish himself at senior level, producing such an influential performance against Celtic at Celtic Park represents a valuable opportunity.
While pre-season matches should not be used to draw definitive conclusions about a player’s entire season, Camarda’s display will nevertheless give Milan supporters another reason to watch his development closely.
What the Draw Means for Celtic
Celtic can take both positives and lessons from the result.
Scoring twice against Milan and taking a 2-0 lead will provide encouragement ahead of the competitive campaign. Durán’s continued scoring form is another positive, while Forrest’s contribution underlined the value of his experience.
At the same time, Celtic will be disappointed that they could not protect their advantage.
The second-half collapse demonstrates the importance of maintaining concentration and defensive organisation for the full 90 minutes, even in a friendly environment.
What the Draw Means for AC Milan
Milan’s biggest positive will be their response after falling two goals behind.
Rather than allowing Celtic to control the game, the Rossoneri came out strongly after half-time and quickly turned the match around.
Camarda’s two goals will naturally attract most of the attention, but the broader comeback should also provide encouragement to Milan’s coaching staff as the squad continues its pre-season work.
The draw gives Milan a competitive test against a Celtic side playing at home while also providing important minutes ahead of the new campaign.
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Celtic vs Milan Head-to-Head History
Celtic and Milan have a long history in European competition, with some memorable encounters between the two clubs.
One of the most famous meetings came during the 2006/07 UEFA Champions League knockout stage. The first leg at Celtic Park ended 0-0, while the return match at San Siro also remained goalless after 90 minutes.
Milan eventually won the tie in extra time when Kaká scored, sending the Italian club through to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 aggregate victory.
The latest meeting was different in nature, with the clubs meeting in Glasgow for a pre-season friendly rather than a European knockout tie.
Celtic vs Milan Final Score
The final score was Celtic 2-2 AC Milan.
Celtic’s first-half performance gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate, but Milan’s second-half response ensured the visitors avoided defeat.
Camilo Durán and James Forrest put Celtic two goals ahead, while Francesco Camarda’s second-half double brought Milan back into the game.
Ultimately, the draw was a useful exercise for both teams as they continue preparations for the 2026/27 season.
For Celtic, the performance highlighted attacking strengths but also exposed the need to manage games more effectively. For Milan, Camarda’s brace and the overall comeback provided encouraging signs from their first pre-season outing.
Celtic vs Milan FAQs
What was the Celtic vs Milan result?
Celtic drew 2-2 with AC Milan in their pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026.
Who scored for Celtic against Milan?
Camilo Durán and James Forrest scored for Celtic.
Who scored for AC Milan against Celtic?
Francesco Camarda scored both of Milan’s goals, including one penalty and one header.
Where was Celtic vs Milan played?
The match was played at Celtic Park in Glasgow. Celtic’s official website listed the fixture for July 25, 2026.
Was Celtic vs Milan a competitive match?
No. The match was a pre-season friendly designed to help both clubs prepare for the 2026/27 season.
What was the biggest talking point from Celtic vs Milan?
Francesco Camarda’s second-half double was the standout moment, as the young Milan forward helped his side recover from a 2-0 deficit and secure a 2-2 draw.
Celtic vs Milan takeaway: Celtic impressed during the opening 45 minutes, but Milan’s second-half comeback ensured the pre-season contest finished level.
