Real Madrid sent out a Champions League statement of intent on Wednesday night with a devastating 5-1 victory at home to Celtic.
The defending European champions – who have won the continent’s premier club competition a record 14 times – eased to a comfortable win despite not including star striker Karim Benzema in their starting line-up. They had far too much for the visiting Scottish champions in the Spanish capital.
Two penalties in the opening quarter of the game effectively ended it as a meaningful contest, as the visitors were punished for twice handling the ball in their own penalty area. Luka Modric converted the first spot-kick before handing penalty duties over to Rodrgyo Goes, who also made no mistake from 18 yards.
