Celtic 2-0 Aberdeen: Stephen Welsh header and stunner Jota win on opening day for defending champions

Jota’s gorgeous long-range shot capped off Celtic’s victory as they started the protection of the Scottish Premiership title with a win over Aberdeen.

Jim Goodwin’s new group dug deep, nevertheless, and posed their very own risk on the finish of the primary bout.

However Celtic regained management after the break when Jota’s aim sealed the win.

The win means Parkhead’s aspect extends their unbeaten streak at Aberdeen to 18 video games and equals the opening day results of title rivals Rangers, who kicked off their league marketing campaign with victory in Livingston on Saturday.

When the title winner’s flag was hoisted, current reminiscences of Celtic’s triumph in 2021-22 had been delivered to the fore within the minds of a cheering, sold-out crowd.

These ideas had been quickly put apart at referee Nick Walsh’s first whistle as the main focus was on sustaining the title. Ange Postecoglou’s group fought towards Rangers final season.

However Goodwin’s males, within the wake of a formidable marketing campaign within the League Cup group stage, had been making an attempt to show the social gathering down. The visiting group failed to attain this, nevertheless, and acquired off to a nightmare begin when Matt O’Riley’s nook was peeked by Welsh.

Celtic probed constantly for a second, with Kyogo Furuhashi and O’Riley each shut, whereas Aberdeen conceded possession time and again.

However after holding out for a lot of the first interval, Aberdeen’s assault confirmed indicators of promise in the direction of halftime as Jonny Hayes missed an excellent probability to equalize.

The guests had been unable to benefit from the few openings they hit, as Postecglou’s aspect grabbed the sport once more after half-time.

After additional intelligent stops by Aberdeen goalkeeper Kelle Roos following makes an attempt by Josip Juranovic, O’Riley and Liel Abada, Jota was readily available to overhaul his scorer and rifle with an unstoppable shot from over 20 yards, perfecting a hard-fought opening victory.

Man on the sphere – Jota

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