In the Scottish Premiership, Celtic started their title defence in robust fashion with a definitive 4-0 triumph over a weakened Kilmarnock team. The victory, sealed with a goal during extra time from Anthony Ralston, propelled Celtic to the peak of the Premiership table, edging out St Mirren on goal difference. Other scorers for the match included Reo Hatate, Liam Scales and Nicolas Kuhn, who furthered Celtic’s dominance among the other league teams.
Kilmarnock, coming to the match sandwiched between European matches in Belgium and Norway, had a limited selection of experienced defenders. Contribution from Joe Wright was ruled out due to the quad injury he suffered during a Europa league qualifying match against Cercle Brugge. Teammates Robbie Deas was serving a suspension and recent addition to the team, Corrie Ndaba, was injured.
Their lack of defensive strength opened space for Brad Lyons to step up as right-back, while Oliver Bainbridge, a 19-year-old on loan from Sunderland, made his debut as left-back. They were bolstered by veterans Stuart Findlay and Lewis Mayo at the centre.
Celtic played their usual line-up, bar the absence of Daizen Maeda due to injury, and new footballer, Kasper Schmeichel. While the game saw Lyons making a clutch save from a Kyogo Furuhashi strike, Furuhashi’s compatriot, Hatate, converted from 18 yards early on in the game, setting the pace for Celtic who made frequent recoveries near the Kilmarnock goal. Schmeichel, in contrast, had a rather quiet game with few key saves to make. His opposite number, Robby McCrorie was under constant assault, coming under fire from Furuhashi and Kuhn as Celtic played with elevated agility and intent.
The champs extended their advantage in the five minutes leading up to halftime when Scales outran Mayo, heading in a corner from Matt O’Riley. McCrorie managed to save an attempt by James Forrest, but was defeated by a diverted goal when Kuhn swerved in from the right flank in the 59th minute.
Hatate delivered a steady stream of attempts, albeit none troubled McCrorie, and he skillfully set up Furuhashi with a splendid cross, who unfortunately botched his right-footed shot.
As the match seemed out of reach, the visiting boss Derek McInnes decided to give his players some respite, in anticipation of the upcoming Conference League qualifying match against Tromso.
Furuhashi’s goal was dismissed due to an offside offence before he was thwarted by McCrorie’s hearty challenge followed by an impressive save.
Substitute Ralston was at the right place, when he drove in the rebound from a narrow angle, securing Celtic a one-goal advantage over St Mirren in the league standings.
Team line-up for Celtic included Schmeichel, Alistair Johnston (Ralston 63), Carter-Vickers, Scales, Taylor, O’Riley, McGregor, Hatate (Holm 82), Kuhn (Palma 63), Furuhashi, Forrest (Yang 77).
Representing Kilmarnock were McCrorie, Lyons, Mayo, Findlay, Bainbridge, Watson, Donnelly (Wales 74), Polworth (McKenzie 65), Murray (Mackay-Steven 87), Vassell (Cameron 66), Kennedy (Armstrong 65).
The man in charge of officiating the game was Don Robertson from Scotland.