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Glasgow Live
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Ben Banks

Three things we learned as Celtic see Hatate go viral and Champions League pattern in Legia Warsaw draw

Celtic played out a 2-2 draw with Polish side Legia Warsaw in their penultimate pre-season friendly match of the summer.

It was an emotional occasion as the game doubled up as a farewell to Hoops cult hero Artur Boruc, who is set to hang up his gloves after a career that started in the late 90s.

He wasn't given an easy ride by his former club, with Reo Hatate scoring an audacious lobbed goal to hand Celtic a slender lead.

Daizen Maeda then doubled their advantage as Hatate turned provider for his Japanese counterpart, but as subs were made, Celtic's controlling rhythm collapsed. Maciej Rosolek reduced the deficit early in the second half and Jouse found an equaliser with a good volley. It was another scoring draw after the 3-3 and 2-2 matches against Rapid Wien and Blackburn Rovers, with a final friendly against Norwich City coming this weekend.

READ MORE: Celtic chief replaces Rangers director in SPFL board shake-up as Neil Doncaster leads the way

Here are three things we learned from this match.

Exciting Hatate

The Japanese midfielder has spoken before of exhaustion after a whirlwind start to life at Celtic after joining in January, but he showed the best of himself here.

His first goal, a lobbed volley inside the box from a Callum McGregor chip behind the Legia defence, has gathered over 223k views online.

Maeda's goal wouldn't have happened if it weren't for his midfield friend spotting a pass nobody else could. This version of Hatate will be a joy to watch this season.

UCL prep

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While Celtic aren't in full gear yet, a relentless run of friendly matches will be great preparation for them ahead of Champions League group stage football.

Since their first friendly with Wiener Viktoria a fortnight ago, Postecoglou's side have played every few days against high calibre opposition.

Games have been played across four different countries too which will only help when they hit the skies competitively.

Contrasting halves

A theme Postecoglou probably wants to eradicate has emerged in these friendly tussles.

In the draws with Rapid, Blackburn and Legia, Celtic have held a lead and a stronghold in matches with assured performances. Then the subs are brought on and everything seems to slow down, almost to a halt.

It's pre-season but at this stage, the Australian will want his side to develop things like their game management ahead of their Premiership title defence starting against Aberdeen on July 31.

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- Three things we learned as Celtic suffer Ralston injury concern in Blackburn draw and Jota turns on style

- Celtic transfer latest as boss confirms Hoops 'conversations' with midfielder have taken place

- Leigh Griffiths transfer latest as SPFL League Two club pass up on former Celtic striker

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