Glasgow, Scotland – Celtic maintained their iron grip on the top spot in the Scottish Premiership with a commanding 4-0 victory over Motherwell in their Boxing Day clash at Celtic Park on December 26, 2024.
From the first whistle, Celtic displayed their relentless attacking prowess, leaving the visitors with little chance to mount any meaningful challenge. The win further solidified Celtic’s impressive position in the league, keeping them firmly in control as the season progressed.
Early Pressure and a Clinical Finish
Celtic wasted no time asserting their dominance, with an early breakthrough coming in the 7th minute. Kyogo Furuhashi was the man to open the scoring, tapping in a precise cross from Liel Abada.
The delivery from Abada was perfectly timed and placed, allowing Furuhashi to finish comfortably past Motherwell goalkeeper Travis Puke. This early goal injected a surge of confidence into Celtic’s players, and they quickly grew into a side full of attacking intent.
The opening goal was a result of precise and effective teamwork, with Callum McGregor controlling the tempo from midfield and Matt O’Riley pulling the strings to create chances.
Jota and Abada continued to provide width and pace on the flanks, stretching the Motherwell defense and ensuring Celtic maintained a high level of attacking threat throughout the match.
Motherwell, on the other hand, struggled to break free from Celtic’s high press. Despite a few early moments of possession, Graham Alexander’s side was unable to create any significant attacking opportunities.
As the game progressed, the gap between the two teams seemed to widen, with Celtic’s technical quality and physicality proving too much for Motherwell to handle.
Second-Half Surge
The second half saw Celtic further assert their dominance, doubling their lead in the 53rd minute. Matt O’Riley, who had been a creative force throughout the first half, scored a superb goal following a quick counter-attack. J
ota made a well-timed pass through the Motherwell defense, and O’Riley, with calm precision, slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net. This goal showcased the fluid attacking movement that Celtic have been known for under manager Brendan Rodgers, combining quick transitions and intelligent positioning.
Liel Abada was next on the scoresheet, making it 3-0 in the 68th minute. The Israeli winger received a brilliant ball from Jota on the right flank, cutting inside and curling a shot past Puke’s reach. The goal was a perfect example of Abada’s flair and composure in the final third. His performance was another standout in a dominant display by Celtic, adding to the already growing confidence in the squad.
A Late Flourish: Celtic’s Fourth Goal
As the game neared its conclusion, Celtic wasn’t content with simply maintaining their three-goal advantage. In the 82nd minute, Kyogo Furuhashi completed his brace with a clinical finish, sealing the 4-0 scoreline.
The goal came after a period of sustained pressure, with Reo Hatate picking out Furuhashi with a perfectly weighted pass from midfield. The Japanese forward showed great awareness and composure, sliding the ball past the onrushing Puke to complete the rout.
At this point, the match had already been decided, and Celtic’s attacking talent was on full display. Despite a late surge in possession by Motherwell, they were unable to break down Celtic’s defense, which was marshaled excellently by Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt.
Their commanding presence at the back ensured that goalkeeper Joe Hart was rarely called into action, and the home side comfortably saw out the remainder of the match.
Post-Match Analysis
Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, was full of praise for his team’s performance in the post-match media conference. “We were excellent today,” Rodgers said. “From the very first minute, the players were focused and determined. We created numerous chances and were clinical in front of goal. The team played with great intensity and showed exactly what we are capable of.”
Rodgers, who has guided Celtic to consistent success, was particularly pleased with how his side maintained their attacking momentum throughout the match. His tactical approach to the game was evident in the fluidity with which Celtic transitioned from defense to attack, and the precision with which they executed their offensive plays.
On the other hand, Graham Alexander, the Motherwell manager, was understandably disappointed with his team’s performance. “Celtic were the better team today,” Alexander admitted.
“We struggled to contain their attacking threat, and every time we made a mistake, they punished us. We didn’t create enough chances, and defensively we were too open at times.” Despite the heavy defeat, Alexander’s acknowledgment of Celtic’s superiority reflected the gulf in quality between the two sides.
Celtic’s Championship Push
This win is another crucial step in Celtic’s pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title. The team is currently in excellent form, and this victory helps to solidify their position at the top of the table.
The attacking quality demonstrated against Motherwell, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota, and Matt O’Riley all contributing to the scoreline, has shown that Celtic possesses a potent attacking force capable of overwhelming opponents.
Additionally, their defensive solidity, with Carter-Vickers and Starfelt forming a reliable partnership at the back, gives them the foundation they need to challenge for the league title.
Looking ahead, Celtic will be aiming to maintain their momentum as they face a challenging series of fixtures in the coming weeks. With their next opponents set to include top-tier competition, Celtic will need to continue playing with the same level of intensity and focus to ensure they maintain their lead at the summit of Scottish football.
Motherwell’s Fight for Survival
For Motherwell, the defeat represents a setback in their quest to climb higher up the Scottish Premiership table. Despite the heavy scoreline, they will need to regroup and focus on improving their performances in upcoming fixtures. Graham Alexander’s team has shown glimpses of resilience this season, but they will need to be more consistent if they are to avoid getting caught in a relegation battle. The key for Motherwell will be tightening up their defense and becoming more clinical in front of goal, as they showed little in terms of attacking threat against Celtic.
The team will now turn their attention to their upcoming fixtures, where they must address their shortcomings and aim to bounce back from this heavy defeat. Kevin Van Veen, the club’s top scorer, will be crucial in this process, and Motherwell will hope that his attacking contributions can help them get back to winning ways.
The Road Ahead: Key Players and Challenges
Kyogo Furuhashi’s Continued Form
One of the key takeaways from the 4-0 win over Motherwell is the continuing excellent form of Kyogo Furuhashi. His two goals in the match further cemented his status as one of the best strikers in the Scottish Premiership. His movement off the ball and ability to finish chances in tight spaces make him an indispensable asset to Celtic. Going forward, maintaining his fitness and sharpness will be essential if Celtic are to retain their title.
Strengthening Midfield Options
Celtic’s midfield has been a standout feature this season, with players like Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley, and Reo Hatate dictating the tempo of matches. However, as the season progresses and the fixtures pile up, depth will be key. Celtic’s success will depend on how effectively they rotate their squad to keep their midfield fresh while maintaining their high standard of play.
Motherwell’s Rebuilding Effort
While Celtic will look to continue their strong form, Motherwell faces the challenge of rebuilding after such a heavy defeat. Players like Kevin Van Veen and Barry Maguire will need to step up if the club is to move past this loss and aim for a top-half finish. The next few games will be crucial for Graham Alexander and his squad as they look to build a more solid and resilient team.
Final Thought
Celtic’s 4-0 victory over Motherwell on December 26, 2024, was a dominant display that showcased their attacking brilliance and defensive stability.
With key players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Matt O’Riley, and Jota all contributing to the victory, Celtic look well on track to secure another Scottish Premiership title. Meanwhile, Motherwell must regroup quickly if they are to improve their form and avoid a difficult season. Both teams have much to play for as the season enters its second half.
FAQs
Q: How did Celtic’s performance in this match compare to their recent form?
A: This victory was a significant improvement for Celtic, especially following a recent draw at Tannadice. Manager Brendan Rodgers made strategic substitutions, bringing in Nicholas Kühn and Reo Hatate, which contributed to the team’s enhanced performance.
Q: What was the attendance at Celtic Park for this match?
A: The match was attended by 58,687 spectators, highlighting the strong support from Celtic’s fanbase.
Q: How did Motherwell perform in this match?
A: Motherwell struggled both offensively and defensively, failing to score and conceding four goals. Manager Stuart Kettlewell expressed frustration over referee decisions, including a denied penalty appeal and a penalty awarded too Celtic. Celtic Dominate Motherwell
Q: What was the significance of this match for Celtic?
A: This victory was crucial for Celtic as it reinforced their position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, demonstrating their attacking prowess and depth. The win also provided a morale boost following previous underwhelming performances. For more detailed statistics and match commentary, you can refer to the official match report on ESPN.
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