Champions League

Celtic suffer fourth pre-season defeat

By Liam Power, Reporter | 12 July 2013

Celtic slip to a fourth successive pre-season defeat at the hands of Union Berlin, who run out 3-0 winners over the Scottish champions.

Celtic have suffered a fourth successive pre-season defeat at the hands of Bundelsiga 2 side Union Berlin.

The Scottish Champions continued their preparations for the new campaign against Berlin, who were using the showpiece friendly to open a new stand at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Inside 11 minutes Celtic fell behind to a volley from Simon Terodde, who smashed past Fraser Forster from around 20 yards.

Mikael Lustig and Anthony Stokes missed chances to level for the Hoops, with Union taking advantage as Soren Brandy doubled their advantage from close range.

Captain Scott Brown managed 60 minutes before being withdrawn, with first-team regulars Joe Ledley and Gary Hooper sidelined by injury.

Damir Kreilach rose above Amido Balde to head home a third Berlin goal in the closing stages, condemning Celtic to a fourth loss in a row.

Neil Lennon's side will begin their competitive campaign on Wednesday, with a Champions League qualifier against Cliftonville in Belfast.