Real Madrid opened their UEFA Champions League (UCL) season with a 3-0 victory, repeating the score from the two teams’ previous meeting 10 years earlier, despite Celtic’s outstanding first-half performance and the electrifying Glasgow crowd....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
Celtic had forgotten how vicious and merciless this Champions League business could be after spending five years away from it.
Scotland’s champions dared to believe before their first game at this level since a home loss to Anderlecht in December 2017. Ange Postecoglou, the first Australian manager at this level, exhorted his players to play fearlessly and finish strong. They believed him for close to an hour.
Risk and reward are always risky tactics when facing off against the undisputed heavyweight champions of Europe. The Parkhead side repeatedly threw punches, testing Thibaut Courtois and hitting the woodwork, but they were unable to score a knockout blow.
It’s tempting to speculate about how a boisterous Parkhead would have handled the psychological toll of the first goal. Celtic’s resistance was exhausted as two powerful counterpunches from Vinicius Junior and the enduring Luka Modric in the space of four minutes put them on the ground.
With 13 minutes remaining, Eden Hazard scored his third goal, which felt like an unnecessary show of force and served as a sharp reminder of the gap between Europe’s top and clubs from lower leagues that make the most of their resources.
Despite the outcome, Celtic can be encouraged by their performance. The first half was unexpectedly tough for the European champions. Karim Benzema, the winner of the Ballon d’Or, hobbled off the field a few minutes after Callum McGregor’s 18-yard attempt hit the upright.
It was perhaps the third or fourth opportunity, and Scotland’s champions will reflect on the evening and several lost chances to irritate the 14-time winners. A merciless streak is necessary at this level, not just desired.
Before this, there was debate about the old fox Ancelotti resting a few of his names. Rotating the squad a little bit before the “serious” games start.
The most successful manager in Champions League history largely used the starting eleven that defeated Liverpool in last season’s final out of respect for the Celtic Park experience. Only Casemiro, who is currently a member of Manchester United, was absent.
