The good news for Celtic is that this is the best the Champions League has to offer. And they won't face as tough a test again in Group F. Ange Postecoglou and his players can be grateful for small mercies.
For the Scottish Premiership champions returned to the most prestigious competition in club football for the first time in five years and discovered it's still as unforgiving as 14-time winners Real Madrid taught them a harsh lesson.
It's no disgrace losing to the Spanish giants and the 3-0 scoreline in favour of Carlo Ancelotti's men might even seem a bit harsh given how much the Hoops put into the first half when they went in goalless and were the width of the post from being in front after Callum McGregor's shot cracked the woodwork.
