The team claim a 4-1 win over the Scottish side

Sporting Clube de Portugal defeated Scottish champions Celtic 4-1 in a preseason friendly, through a brace from Daniel Bragança and further goals from Geny Catamo and Ricardo Mangas.

Playing in front of thousands of Sportinguistas for the first time this summer, the team debuted their new home kit -which had been revealed on Monday.

Rui Borges’ side were the more cohesive throughout the first half, creating danger as early as the 6th minute: Mangas combined with Flávio Gonçalves and Gabriel Silva before finding himself in a great position and shooting with his weaker foot, striking the ball into the hands of opposition goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo.

After another attack by Mangas, Sporting CP had an even better opportunity in the 13th minute. Following a clever recovery by Sergi Altimira in the defensive midfield, a counter-attack allowed Pedro Gonçalves to isolate Catamo, but the eventual shot went just wide.

Despite the normal slower pace and intensity of this stage of preseason, Sporting CP managed to turn things up and take a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute. Flávio Gonçalves worked well in midfield and released Silva down the right flank, and he made a run to set up Catamo to score.

Before halftime, with the help of the fans who made themselves heard throughout, Sporting CP had an opportunity through Pedro Gonçalves in the 38th minute and then a low shot from distance by Catamo that whistled wide.

At the other end, Paulo Bernardo had a chance after a mix-up from a corner, but Eduardo Quaresma headed clear.

For the second half, Rui Borges replaced Pedro Gonçalves, Geny Catamo, and Souleymane Faye with Silas Andersen, Luís Guilherme, and Georgios Vagiannidis. Three minutes after the restart, from a magical moment from Flávio Gonçalves, Gabriel Silva came close, but Sinisalo made another save.

Shortly after, Mangas shot over the bar, and in the 53rd minute, Luís Guilherme sent in a tremendous cross into the area, although it wasn't effectively finished. The Brazilian then set up Flávio Gonçalves, who shot into the side netting.

Sporting CP dominated, but Celtic FC capitalised on one of the few mistakes made to threaten: In the 58th minute, João Virgínia had to respond to Luke McCowan's chance with a superb save.

With half an hour remaining, Sergi Altimira, Flávio Gonçalves, Issa Doumbia, and Gabriel Silva were replaced by Pedro Lima, Jesse Derry, Daniel Bragança, and Rafael Nel.

Against the flow of the game, and immediately after a curling shot by Luís Guilherme that did not find its way in, Celtic FC equalised in the 69th minute. Camilo Durán got the goal for the Hoops.

However, Sporting's response was swift: Three goals between the 72nd and 79th minutes. The lead was restored by Daniel Bragança, who capitalised on pressure from a defensive error provoked by Rafael Nel to score.

This was followed by persistent play from Luís Guilherme, who set up Mangas for his second goal, making it 3-1.

The final goal of the match also saw Luís Guilherme involved, with a great run down the right, and Daniel Bragança finished well to seal the 4-1 victory.

Jesse Derry shot off target in stoppage time, having made his debut in unofficial action.

Sporting CP remain in the Algarve for their preseason training camp, and will play next on Monday, July 20th, against French side RC Strasbourg.

Sporting CP: João Virgínia [GK], Souleymane Faye (Georgios Vagiannidis, 45'), Eduardo Quaresma [C], Eduardo Felicíssimo, Ricardo Mangas (Rodrigo Dias, 78'), Sergi Atimira (Pedro Lima, 60'), Issa Doumbia (Daniel Bragança, 60'), Pedro Gonçalves (Silas Andersen, 45'), Geny Catamo (Luís Guilherme, 45'), Flávio Gonçalves (Jesse Derry, 60') and Gabriel Silva (Rafael Nel, 60').