The Real Deal: Celtic 0-3 Real Madrid- Review
In Celtic’s return to the Champions League for the first time since 2018, they hosted the tournament holders in a much-anticipated match under the lights at Parkhead.
Real Madrid were seemingly stunned by the Scottish champions blistering start, with high pressing, fast build-up, and a series of chances, including Callum McGregor’s effort which hit the woodwork. The first-half was a tightly contested affair with the hosts showing they belong on the big stage and can put up a fight against any opposition.
After the break, the visitors showed their class and took their chances to put the game to bed, with goals from Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Edin Hazard sinking any hopes in the home crowd. The Man of The Match award was awarded to Modric, who was the heartbeat of the Spanish side throughout, emphaising why he is one of the world’s best players with a fantastic range of passing, great awareness and a superb goal.
A lesson learned for Ange Postecoglou’s side is that against opposition like Real Madrid, they must take their chances when they get them. But there’s a sense of belief that under the Australian the team has a chance in Europe, a feeling that the Celtic support has not felt for a very long time.
Despite the result, Celtic took the game to one of the best teams in world football, and for that, they should be proud. The team will take confidence from this performance into next Wednesday against Shakhtar Donetsk in Warsaw, where they will be looking to pick up their first three points of the Group Stage.