Adam Idah goal isn't enough as Celtic fall to shock pre-season friendly defeat
The Bhoys' opponents play in the Portuguese top-flight, but they were only founded five years ago - in place of the original club that went bankrupt in 2011 - and they finished 15th in the 18-team division last season.
It took them just three seasons to climb from the third tier to the Primeira Liga.
Celtic struck first on Saturday through Reo Hatate in the seventh minute, but they were behind by the half-time break, thanks to goals from Alan Godoy (37 minutes) and Otávio (44 minutes).
Ireland striker Idah made it 2-2 just eight minutes after the restart, but Estrela struck the winner with 25 minutes to go through Jovane Cabral, when they broke and created a three-on-one with Ireland defender Liam Scales.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers reacted to the defeat, saying: 'It was a really good exercise for us. We're only a couple of weeks in and there were some good moments, some not so good, young players getting opportunities, some players playing their first minutes of pre-season.
'We'll get sharper. The guys have had a heavy week, so they were maybe a wee bit leggy today.
'But it's that point in the season where you have to push and get through that, that's all about building your fitness.
'We had some really good moments, the goals were excellent. And then we got caught out, especially in the third goal, just pressing at the wrong moment.
'But all that comes with the evolution and understanding of how we play.'
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RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
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Irish Examiner
9 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Jack Byrne left out of Rovers squad again after rumoured row with Stephen Bradley
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Irish Independent
10 hours ago
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‘The game is open' – Ballkani boss insists Conference League tie with Shamrock Rovers remains in the balance
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