Celtic ran out 4-2 winners against Czech Republic side Banik Ostrava in their final friendly of a pre-season tour.
The home side were celebrating their 100-year anniversary and a packed home crowd at the Municipal Stadium made this far from the usual run of the mill matches Celtic have played in the last week against Austrian duo Wiener Viktoria and Rapid Wien. Banik opened the scoring early doors through Eldar Sehic after an audacious Nemanja Kuzmanovic was scooped off the Hoops line.
Kyogo Furuhashi restored parity and soon the away club took control, Matt O'Riley sailing in a fine effort from outside the penalty box. Changes were made at half-time as the usual pre-season antics took place during a match which was a step up from their previous matches on foreign soil this month. Postecoglou's men have been in Austria over the last week and their Czech trip was a fine way to round things off.
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Georgios Giakoumakis then netted an acrobatic strike with his back almost to goal at the start of the second half and Liel Abada added to their tally to finish a worthwhile outing abroad. Muhamed Tijani netted a Banik consolation.
Next up for Celtic is a home match at Parkhead for the first time this season against Blackburn Rovers this Saturday before travelling to Legia Warsaw next Wednesday. Then a clash with Norwich City rounds off their pre-season.
Here are three things we learned.
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Fiery occasion
It was a friendly in name but perhaps beneficially for Celtic, that wasn't the case in atmosphere.
The home end was sold out and was in fine voice the full time on what was a big day for their club. It meant that a competitive matchday atmosphere met the Hoops and it certainly aided the contest.
Banik were certainly boosted by it, and tougher challenges are a good thing for Postecoglou's men at this stage in the season.
Close to full strength
We are still more than a fortnight away from Celtic's first competitive match of the season against Aberdeen on July 31st but already they are closing in on a strongest XI.
With the exception of Stephen Welsh, all of what some would consider as their strongest defence started and Callum McGregor was in midfield alongside O'Riley and David Turnbull. Kyogo and Jota also started up top.
Five changes were made at half-time and although there will be much tinkering over the next three games yet, it appears to be gradually lessening.
Individual quality
If the Parkhead side need a moment of inspiration to bail them out this season, it looks as if they've got a few players to do so.
O'Riley's effort was able to prove his undoubted technical ability and he is helping fill the attacking midfield void left behind by Tom Rogic.
Giakoumakis meanwhile showed he won't settle for being a back-up to Kyogo as Celtic's leading forward man with his acrobatic volley.
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