Celtic fall to Real masterclass: Real Madrid 5-1 Celtic
The Hoops end their Champions League campaign without a win on the board as they lose in Madrid. It was only pride at stake for Celtic as their draw with Shakhtar Donetsk last week ended any hope of European football after Christmas.
It got off to the worst possible start for Celtic as the current European champions earned an early penalty after the ball bounced off the arm of Moritz Jenz. Captain Luka Modric sent Joe Hart in the wrong direction and put his side a goal up.
Los Blancos were gifted with another chance to get a second when referee Stephanie Frappart was instructed by VAR to check the monitors after Matt O’Riley struck a hand at the ball. The penalty was awarded and this time it was Brazilian winger Rodrygo who took the opportunity and scored.
Although they were two goals down, Celtic had their chances but similar to the rest of the games in the group; they could not find the target. However, they were handed their best opportunity of the half when yet another penalty was given. Despite his 100% penalty record for Celtic, Josip Juranovic failed to capitalise on the chance as his strike was saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Real Madrid were rampant in the second half as Celtic struggled to cope with the constant waves of attack. Goals from Marco Asensio, Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde sealed the game for the Spanish side as they finished top of the group.
Ange Postecoglou’s men managed to get a consolation goal after substitute Jota scored a brilliant free kick; giving the travelling fans something to cheer about. With no time added on, the final whistle was blown and Celtic’s European journey came to an end.
The main focus for the Hoops now will be to continue their domestic dominance and reclaim their Scottish Premiership title. This Celtic squad has earned a lot of experience from playing in the Champions League and will be hoping this can help them advance from the group stages next season.