ANGE POSTECOGLOU admitted the first goal was crucial as his Celtic team went down fighting against Real Madrid in their Champions League opener.
Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard all found the back of the next at Parkhead, but the Scottish Champions had numerous first-half chances and should have really taken the lead.
Madrid’s Champions League experience paid off in the end, but Postecoglou was impressed with how his team competed against one of Europe’s elite clubs.
He explained: “I thought the first goal was always going to be crucial. Up until that point thought we were well in the game.
“We created opportunities and handled their threats really well. We caused them some problems.
“When their first goal went in I thought we lost our composure a little bit. They have the quality to punish you.
“At this level, you aren’t going to get too many chances. Those are the fine margins, and they are good enough to capitalise on those.
“If we got the first goal it would have made us comfortable in the game and made them uncomfortable. It would have required Real Madrid to take some risks.
“They controlled their game really well after they opened the scoring. We had to chase the game a little bit, which then inevitably gives the opposition spaces.”
Praising the Parkhead atmosphere, Postecoglou added: “I think this is just a very special football club.
“The fans showed that again tonight, why this club is so special. Our responsibility is to give them a team to be proud of and a team that can compete at this level every year. For us that is our aim.
“As I say we competed well, we had our moments which we didn’t capitalise on. That is something the boys will learn from.”
