How to Watch Sporting Clube de Portugal vs Celtic: Commentary and Coverage Details for July 16, 2025 Friendly Match

The Scottish and Portuguese champions face off in an eagerly anticipated pre-season friendly on Wednesday, 16 July 2025, with Celtic TV providing exclusive live coverage for fans around the world. The match kicks off at 19:30 UK time from the Estádio do Algarve in Loulé, Portugal. While not televised on UK terrestrial or satellite channels, supporters can watch all the action through Celtic TV's live stream, subject to geographic restrictions, making it the go-to option for following the game in the UK and beyond.

Commentary Team and Presenters
Fans tuning into Celtic TV will hear the match brought to life by the experienced commentary duo of Paul Cuddihy and Simon Donnelly. Paul Cuddihy, known for his insightful and engaging play-by-play voice, has established himself with Celtic TV as a reliable commentator for Hoops fixtures and pre-season friendlies alike. Co-commentator Simon Donnelly, a former Celtic player with over 200 appearances for the club, offers expert analysis informed by his rich playing career and understanding of the Scottish game. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the broadcast, enriching the viewing experience.
Match reporting duties are handled by Matthew Campbell, who provides pitchside updates, interviews, and post-match insights to round out the comprehensive coverage.

Match Context and Background
This friendly serves as the conclusion of Celtic's summer pre-season tour in Portugal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. The Hoops have already played matches against Queen's Park, Cork City, and Estrela da Amadora during their warm-weather training stint. Sporting Clube de Portugal, Portuguese Primeira Liga champions with a guaranteed place in next season's UEFA Champions League, represent the sternest test so far.
The last meeting between the two sides was in 2010 during a pre-season trip to the United States, a thrilling penalty shootout won by Celtic after a 1-1 draw at Fenway Park in Boston, a memorable encounter for Bhoys fans.
Tickets for the match in Portugal were priced between €21.48 and €32.21, indicative of accessible summer football entertainment for visiting supporters[1][2][3].

Watching Options for UK Viewers
For those in the United Kingdom wanting to witness this clash, the only live coverage option is through Celtic TV's streaming service, which requires a subscription. As this game is not broadcast on major British networks such as ITV, BBC, or Sky Sports, fans should ensure they have access to Celtic TV ahead of kick-off. International viewers outside the broadcast region may have to use a VPN service to bypass geo-blocking restrictions.
Given the lack of traditional TV coverage, Celtic TV's presentation team plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality analysis and commentary, bringing fans closer to the players and tactics in this challenging fixture.

About the Broadcasters and the Commentators
Paul Cuddihy has built a strong reputation within Scottish football broadcasting through his clear, professional narration and tactical awareness, joining Celtic TV in recent years to cover live games, interviews, and club news. His voice is linked closely with the modern identity of Celtic broadcasts.
Simon Donnelly, who scored some crucial goals for Celtic during the 1990s and early 2000s, now applies his playing experience in the studio and on commentary, providing fans with in-depth perspectives on player strengths, match situations, and team strategy.
Matthew Campbell, a seasoned sports journalist, complements the commentary booth with comprehensive pitchside analysis and the latest updates, ensuring fans are fully immersed in the game moments as they unfold.

This match-up is a unique spectacle, giving supporters a preview of how the two European football giants prepare for the new season. Celtic's management, led by Brendan Rodgers, are hopeful the challenges posed by Sporting will sharpen the squad's readiness for domestic and European competitions[3][4].

For further information about Celtic FC and their fixtures, visit the official Celtic FC website. Details about Sporting Clube de Portugal can be found on their official club site. For updates on football broadcasting rights and streaming services in the UK, check out Premier League Broadcasting.