Just like in Cork last week Celtic fans enjoyed the sunshine once again this week on the Algarve. The game against Sporting CP was the highlight of the trip for those of us flying in and out for the match. Many Celtic supporters took the opportunity to take a holiday in the very popular resorts along the coast of Portugal with the game being an added bonus. While others included the first team squad enjoyed the pilgrimage to Lisbon to see where Celtic lifted the European Cup in 1967.
We stayed in Faro and it is a lovely spot. Old buildings and cobble streets full of cafes and bars. A nice harbour and some beaches to enjoy during our short midweek break.
The locals were really nice and food and drink was cheap. Buses and Uber cabs were also great value for getting to and from the airport and the ground. Estádio do Algarve was built for the 2004 Euros and now hosts Gibraltar’s international games.
Many Celtic fans will have been there before supporting the Ireland and Scotland teams in recent international campaigns. It was nice to meet up again with so many familiar faces and share a few beers and swap stories pre and post match. One thing on most Celtic fans minds is the lack of transfer activity which came up in a lot of conversations.
As Pre-Season Friendlies go this was one of the better ones with both teams up for the game as they build their fitness levels ahead of their upcoming seasons and in 30 degree heat. We were in the lower tier of the stand facing the dugouts. The stand was full with both sets of fans mingling together and on occasions breaking into song.
A small group of the Sporting Ultras took up position behind the goals. I’m not sure what the attendance was but it was no where near the crowds who turned up last week in Cork.
Celtic squandered a number of good goal scoring chances in the first half but soon after the restart Johnny Kenny who had just come on to replace fellow Irish man, Adam Idah at half time was taking down in the box. The referee was quick to award the penalty which Reo Hatate converted.
Second half substitute Luke McCowan added a second after coming on during the the second half after good work from Johnny Kenny with the assist.
It was good to see Kieran Tierney back in a Celtic Jersey and new bhoy Nygren had a really good game. Brendan Rodgers made 2 changes at half time and then on 67 minutes he made wholesale changes. This did not affect the flow of the game and soon after we were celebrating the second goal.
Next up is a return to Celtic Park when Newcastle visit on Saturday. The game has left a sour taste in many Celtic season tickets holders mouths after paying for season books they were then asked to stump up cash for the game. We used to get a pre-season game as part of our season package but no more as the board go for another cash grab out of fans pockets.
For more on the trip keep an eye out for the August edition of More than 90 Minutes.
Andrew Milne is Editor of More than 90 Minutes and host of the Celtic Soul Podcast
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