In a display of tactical prowess, Furuhashi seized the opportunity created by a defensive mistake to give the reigning champions the lead, reclaiming their advantage before the half-hour mark following Bojan Miovski’s equalizer that countered Liel Abada’s early goal.
Aberdeen proved to be formidable opponents in an exhilarating first half, with Graeme Shinnie commanding the midfield, Shayden Morris impressing in his inaugural Pittodrie appearance, and the Dons’ striking duo consistently posing a threat in the attacking third.
However, Celtic exerted greater control over the game in the second half, culminating in O’Riley’s late goal that propelled them back to the pinnacle of the cinch Premiership standings after two matches.
Both Celtic and Aberdeen made changes to their starting lineups, with Ryan Duncan replacing the absent Jonny Hayes for Aberdeen, and the game was preceded by a minute’s applause in honor of former Dons boss Craig Brown, the first match at Pittodrie since his passing.
The match began with Miovski and Furuhashi missing the target from long range in an energetic start, but it was O’Riley’s perfectly placed free-kick in the 11th minute that resulted in Celtic taking the lead.
Daizen Maeda’s header towards goal was followed by Abada, who helped guide the ball over the line from close range, despite being initially determined offside, ultimately gaining the goal upon review by video assistant referee Andrew Dallas.
Aberdeen persisted in their attacking endeavors, with Shinnie heading over the crossbar from a well-executed set-piece. Soon after, the Dons captain won possession in the center of the pitch, igniting the sequence that led to the equalizer in the 25th minute.
Jack McKenzie’s precise pass down the flank allowed Luis ‘Duk’ Lopes to outmaneuver Cameron Carter-Vickers, who then delivered the ball into the path of strike partner Miovski, ultimately finding the back of the net from a six-yard distance after displaying greater agility than Maik Nawrocki.
The volume inside Pittodrie Stadium, which accommodated an audience of 18,652, soared with enthusiasm, only to be silenced four minutes later.
Nicky Devlin, making his home debut, failed to notice Furuhashi’s presence as he attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper. Seizing the opportunity, the Japanese striker struck the bouncing ball with great force from 18 yards out, sending it soaring into the net.
Celtic had several opportunities to further increase their lead, with Abada’s shot being stopped by Kelle Roos following an impressive combination with Maeda, and O’Riley’s free-kick being tipped over the crossbar by the goalkeeper.
Aberdeen finished the first half strongly, but Dante Polvara’s attempts narrowly missed the target on two occasions.
At halftime, Celtic made two substitutions, introducing Stephen Welsh in place of Carter-Vickers for his first competitive appearance in 10 months, while Reo Hatate replaced David Turnbull.
Furuhashi missed a promising opportunity with his left foot, and Maeda had two chances denied by Devlin’s interventions, the first being an excellent goal-line clearance.
Hatate played a crucial role in Celtic’s control of possession from a deep midfield position, but unfortunately, he limped off the field in the 70th minute, making way for Odin Thiago Holm.
Although Aberdeen enjoyed territorial advantage, they failed to trouble goalkeeper Joe Hart, with their only notable chance in the second half coming from Leighton Clarkson, who narrowly missed the target with a curled effort following a long ball.
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