Match Preview Ajax vs Celtic

After Como 1907’s success against Al-Ahli by 3-1 in the opening match, the Como Cup 2025 comes into full swing with a very high-profile international match: Ajax and Celtic face each other this evening at the “Giuseppe Sinigaglia” stadium in Como, in the second game of the four-team tournament taking place from 23 to 27 July on Lake Como.

The tournament, part of Football On The Lake, offers the Larians a valuable test ahead of the next Serie A championship.

Previous Meetings

Ajax and Celtic have met ten times in their history between the European Cup, Champions League and Europa League, always giving rise to intense and fought encounters. The overall record is perfectly balanced: four wins each and two draws. The latest official matches, played between 2013 and 2015, saw Ajax slightly ahead with two wins, one draw and one victory for Celtic.

Ajax

This year, Como 1907 and Ajax have joined forces in a three-year partnership which represents an important opportunity to strengthen their global football network.

This partnership is a milestone for both Como and Ajax and will allow mutual growth, strong innovation and an exchange of skills which will strengthen the competitive positions of both clubs on the international stage. This collaboration underlines a shared commitment to excellence and a bold vision for the future of football.

Ajax arrives at the Como Cup with a young, technical and ambitious squad, led by John Heitinga. The club has chosen Como for the summer training camp, reinforcing the bond with the Larians.

Standouts are Brian Brobbey, a powerful centre-forward, and Kenneth Taylor, an elegant playmaker. In defence shines the very young talent Jorrel Hato, born in 2006.

Celtic

Celtic arrives at the Como Cup after a positive pre-season with victories over Newcastle and Sporting Lisbon. Brendan Rodgers relies on a mix of experience and young talents, led by captain Callum McGregor. In attack stand out Daizen Maeda, scorer of 97 goals for Celtic since 2021, and the promising Shin Yamada. On the wings there are Kieran Tierney and Hayato Inamura, while between the posts stands out the experience of Kasper Schmeichel, Danish national team goalkeeper and vice-captain of the Scots.

Ajax and Celtic both arrive at the meeting in good form. Heitinga’s team defeated Mechelen 3-2 in their last test, while Celtic scored six goals in their last two matches without conceding any. An even but lively match is expected, between two teams that do not give up playing football.
With Como already at the top of the provisional tournament table, this clash could prove decisive for qualification to the final on 27 July.

Match Details

• Date: Thursday 24 July 2025
• Kick-off: 20:30 CEST
• Stadium: Giuseppe Sinigaglia, Como (Italy)
• Referee: Colombo
  

Where to Watch

• Italy: Como TV and Sky Sport (streaming on NOW)
• Bulgaria: A1 / Max Sport
• Turkey: Saran
• Balkans: Sportklub
• Israel: Charlton
• Malaysia & Brunei: Astro
• USA: CBS – Golazo
• South Korea & Southeast Asia: SpoTV
• Rest of the world: Check local listings