Ange Postecoglou suffered defeat in his Australia homecoming as Sydney FC ran out winners over Celtic at the Allianz Stadium.
The Hoops boss has returned to his homeland to compete in the Sydney Super Cup as part of vital preparations ahead of the second half of the season with the champions nine clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership and in the hunt for domestic trophy success in the Viaplay and Scottish Cups.
The Aussie boss made a raft of changes handing a number of fringe men vital minutes with the key quartet of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Daizen Maeda, Josip Juranovic, and Aaron Mooy all on World Cup duty. The visitors got survived two early woodwork scares to take the lead through Kyogo Furuhashi but Sydney pegged them back instantly with Robert Mak showing Stephen Welsh a clean pair of heels to superbly level. Max Burgess then completed the turnaround for the home side on the hour with a stunning stirke into the top corner, despite the Hoops being well on top of their opponents for the majority of the second period. Here's three things we learned from Down Under.
READ MORE: Jota's Celtic ball boy role vs Ross County lands 'walking fine line' warning from Rangers hero
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
Stake a claim
Ange Postecoglou handed big opportunities to a number of fringe players in this one.
Stephen Welsh, Alexandro Bernabei, Yosuke Ideguchi, Oliver Abildgaard, and Benjamin Siegrist all landed much-needed minutes.
Welsh was done for pace at the Sydney leveller but will take positives in getting game time under his belt with Cameron Carter-Vickers - who is at the World Cup - Carl Starfelt and Mortiz Jenz ahead of him in the pecking order.
Rocco Vata was also introduced from the bench, coming on for the final 25 minutes for Kyogo Furuhashi.
A big moment for the youngster and his former Hoops playing dad Rudi.
Bosun Lawal also tasted some action in Sydney.
No friendly feel
It may be billed as a competitive-friendly tournament but this game was anything but.
Both sides went for it as the ball was fired from end to end in a high-intensity game.
The hosts hit the woodwork twice before levelling through Robert Mak after Kyogo Furuhashi's opener.
The Hoops had their own big chances that they failed to convert - the story of their Champions League campaign this year.
A really good test for Ange Postecoglou's side with Everton to come next after defeat to Sydney FC.
The big homecoming
It was a big occasion for Ange Postecoglou as he managed Celtic on home soil.
There was a healthy turnout of Hoops supporters at the Allianz Stadium as they took in the rare opportunity to see their heroes in the flesh.
The match itself didn't disappoint with both teams going for it in an entertaining encounter with the hosts running out winners in a comeback win.
There was a memorable moment pre-match as the 57-year-old accepted his induction into Football Australia's Hall of Fame from Football Australia Chairman, Chris Nikou.
A night that the Celtic gaffer won't ever forget - despite the result.
READ NEXT:
- Jota's Celtic ball boy role vs Ross County lands 'walking fine line' warning from Rangers hero
- Josip Juranovic Celtic transfer latest with Hoops ready to 'consider' offers after World Cup
- The Celtic success Ange Postecoglou needs to be 'one of the greats' as pundit talks Everton links
