Celtic FC faced Dundee United on December 22, 2024, at Tannadice, but the game ended without any goals, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Celtic couldn’t find the breakthrough against Dundee United’s resilient defense.
Entering the match with high spirits after lifting the League Cup just the week prior, Brendan Rodgers made significant changes to the team. Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Nicolas Kuhn were sidelined. Paulo Bernardo started on the bench but played 13 minutes, coming on at the 77th minute.
Kick-off was at noon, and both teams were eager to secure points as they vied for positions on the league table. Celtic, with aspirations to restore their commanding lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, was undeniably under pressure to perform after their recent cup success where they triumphed over Rangers 5-4 on penalties. A win would have reinstated Celtic’s 11-point advantage over their closest rivals, but the draw left them with 44 points, still leading by nine points.
On the other hand, Dundee United was coming off tough upcoming games, including their recent 4-3 defeat to Motherwell. They entered this match needing to bounce back and cement their fifth-place position, currently sitting with 25 points. This encounter was seen as pivotal for both sides, albeit for different reasons.
Throughout the match, Celtic held the majority of the ball, showcasing their typical attacking mindset. Chances came and went, but Dundee United’s defense remained steadfast, with goalkeeper marking key saves throughout the game to keep the scoreline level. The absence of any goals was disappointing for Celtic fans, diligently backing their team to showcase the flair and precision they demonstrated at Hampden Park just days before.
After the game, Celtic’s Twitter account reflected the fans’ sentiments with their post: "We're forced to settle for a draw at Tannadice. #DUTDCEL | #CelticFC 🍀". This draw, albeit frustrating for Celtic, demonstrated the competitive spirit prevalent within the league.
With key players rested and various substitutes utilized, Celtic are gearing up for more intense fixtures down the line. Both teams now turn their attention to their respective next matches as they fight for points and improve their league standings.
