Celtic have won plaudits for their Champions League efforts but they were offered a sobering reminder of the levels required to truly compete in this brutal final outing at the Bernabeu.
European champions Real Madrid turned on the style to run out 5-1 winners and see themselves through to the last 16 as group winners. A pair of penalties from Luka Modric and Rodrygo set them on their way before Marco Asensio, Vinicius Jr and Fede Valverde piled on the pain in the second-half. An excellent Jota free-kick at least gave the travelling support something to cheer about after Celtic had earlier passed up a penalty opportunity of their own, Thibaut Courtois saving from Josip Juranovic.
The result means Celtic do finish the group stage with their worst ever Champions League points tally with just two to show for their efforts. Postecoglou's team have stuck to their attacking guns throughout and it's made for some thrilling moments. But ultimately they've come up short, although will take confidence they can come back and improve if they win the Premiership title again this season.
