Celtic's Champions League journey ended at Real Madrid tonight with the holders showing their class and teaching a lesson.
Los Blancos were awarded two spot-kicks in the opening 20 minutes with superstar midfielder Luka Modric and Rodrygo leaving Joe Hart with no chance as both expertly fired past the former England international. However, it was a similar story as Livingston away for Celtic as Liel Abada won them the perfect chance to respond in this game but Thibaut Courtois denied Josip Juranovic with a strong save. That's two misses from the spot in the space of a few days for Ange Postecoglou's men. Marco Asensio and Vinicius JR also fired home before a stunner from Federico Valverde. Jota added a beauty of his own from a free-kick.
The Scottish champions will now turn full focus to making sure they retain the Premiership crown they won from Rangers last season and then returning to Europe's top table next term to try and make a bigger impact after a year of learning and experience. They come away with just two points in six games this term for their efforts. Here are three things we learned from a final matchday defeat in the Bernabeu.
READ MORE: Celtic lose out to Real Madrid in UEFA Youth League with Los Blancos scoring inside TEN seconds
Star man
Carl Starfelt made his big return from injury and what a stage to do it.
The Swede was pitched in from the start against Real Madrid on the final matchday of the Champions League after Cameron Carter-Vickers was left at home after picking up a niggle against Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena.
He's been a solid performer for Ange Postecoglou and his return to fitness will come as a major boost ahead of the second part of the campaign as they bid to retain the Premiership crown they won from Rangers last season.
A welcomed sight for the Hoops faithful and with Moritz Jenz also forming a strong bond with Carter-Vickers in Starfelt's absence - it will give the Aussie boss a lot of food for thought going forward when all three are fit to play.
Back for more
Celtic's Champions League and European adventure for the season is officially over.
And the main mission now will be to make sure they win the league and get back in next year.
Ange Postecoglou and his men have picked up the experience of playing at Europe's top table this season - next year they will want to return and this time around make an impact in their section.
This campaign ends with 0 wins and just two points from six games.
But nights like tonight at the Bernabeu will have the squad hungry for much, much more.
You VAR in trouble
VAR is part of the Scottish top flight now. But tonight it came to haunt Celtic on not one but TWO occasions.
Two spot-kicks for Real Madrid in the opening 20 minutes with Luka Modric and Rodrygo converting from 12-yards.
Joe Hart had no chance with either with two clinical finishes from the home side. VAR is here to stay and whether you like it or don't it is something all players, managers, fans and officials need to get used to.
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