Celtic were taught a harsh lesson by a clinical Real Madrid side on their Champions League return as two goals in four second-half minutes sent the holders on their way to a 3-0 victory in Glasgow.
Liel Abada, twice, and substitute Daizen Maeda squandered excellent chances and Callum McGregor struck the post before goals from Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric proved pivotal. Ange Postecoglou had vowed his Celtic side would test their intensive attacking style against the European champions and they showed they could pose problems against a starting line-up that featured 10 of the players that began last season's final against Liverpool.
But their inability to take their chances while on top came back to bite them and Eden Hazard gave the Spaniards a cushion that was cruel on the hosts. A banner in the Celtic standing area declared they were 'back with a bang' and the hosts had a great opportunity to take the lead inside 30 seconds of their first Champions League group game in five years. The ball fell for Abada inside the box but Thibaut Courtois pushed the Israel international's shot wide at full stretch. Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota and substitute Sead Haksabanovic went close to rewarding the Celtic support's incessant backing with a goal but their appreciation of their team at full-time was further evidence that they still believe they can make their mark on the tournament.
Joe Hart 7: Big moment for him when he denied Vinicius Jnr with a terrific save after so long out of the Champions League. Helpless at Madrid’s goals.
Josip Juranovic 7: Had an unenviable task of stopping Vinicius Jnr but coped admirably before Brazilian scored. Tried to get forward and deliver from wide.
Cameron Carter-Vickers 7: Looked comfortable at this level in his defending and distribution from the back. One mistake when he dived into tackle before Modric struck.
Moritz Jenz 7: Solid at the back especially in first half when he had Benzema then Hazard to deal with. Made a brilliant block to deny Modric early on.
Greg Taylor 6: Drifted infield at times to good effect when Celtic had the ball but tough shift trying to keep up with Valverde who got down his side to set up Real opener.
Callum McGregor 8: Captain had one of his best games for Celtic against the cream of Europe. Broke up play and passed it with such composure. Unlucky to crack the post in first half.
Reo Hatate 7: Japanese star was magnificent in first 45 for Celtic with a volleyed cross-field pass to Jota one of the highlights. Sharp as a tack before tiring after break.
Matt O’Riley 6: He’s come a long way since MK Dons. Was crucial to Celtic's pressing high up the pitch at the start and helped tee up Abada for early chance with clever pass.
Liel Abada 5: Celtic’s hero against Rangers but young winger froze a bit against Real. Unlucky with early shot but wasted gilt-edged chance when through on Courtois.
Giorgos Giakoumakis 6: Got the nod ahead of Kyogo and worked Madrid’s two centre-backs with his physical presence and running power. Starved of proper chances.
Jota 7: Always looked to get at Carvajal and produced wonder pass for Abada chance. Didn’t quite ignite the game for Celtic the way he’d have hoped to do.
SUBS
Daizen Maeda 4 : Introduced for Abada at half-time on the right flank but squandered a terrific close-range opportunity from Juranovic’s cross.
Kyogo Furuhashi 3: Came on for Giakoumakis at 70 minutes with Celtic already 2-0 down. Stabbed a shot just wide of the post.
David Turnbull 3: Replaced O’Riley in midfield when the home side were starting to wilt while two goals behind.
Aaron Mooy 4: On for Hatate in the engine room to help McGregor and try to stem the tide as the Spanish side took control of the game.
Sead Haksabanovic 4: Thrown on for Jota on the left wing and new boy at least tested Courtois with a near post effort.
NOT USED: Bain, Siegrist, McCarthy, Bernabei, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Militao (Rudiger 46 mins), Alaba, Mendy, Tchouameni (Camavinga 70 mins), Kroos, Modric (Asensio 80 mins), Valverde, Benzema (Hazard 30 mins), Vinicius Jr (Rodrigo 80 mins). SUBS NOT USED: Lunin, Luis Lopez, Nacho, Lucas Vasquez, Ceballos, Mariano Diaz
