There was a real sense that Celtic were truly back in the big time against Real Madrid on Tuesday night
Forget the Europa League and Conference League. The Champions League has always been where they and rivals Rangers want to be, and there was no greater illustration of being amongst the big boys than the reigning European champions coming to town.
It was the draw everyone wanted. Callum McGregor said as much before the group stage was drawn and the campaign opener had all the glitz and glamour of a blockbuster premiere. The only thing missing was a result.
