UCL: Celtic ultimately outclassed by Real Madrid

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Celtic 0 - 3 Real Madrid

Celtic were ultimately outclassed by holders Real Madrid in their Champions League opener, despite a lively and encouraging start in Glasgow.

Five years after they last featured at Europe's top table, Celtic gave Real a fright in a frantic first half by creating a series of chances, including a shot off a post from Callum McGregor.

But after the break the visitors roused themselves, and goals from Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard showed their class and secured victory.

Real Madrid join Shakhtar Donetsk at the top of Group F after they defeated RB Leipzig in their group opener. The Glasgow side travel to Warsaw to face the Ukranian side next Wednesday in their second group game, aiming to get their campaign back on track, after their grand return against European football royalty ended in disappointment.

Atmosphere

Despite the result, it was ultimately not a dispiriting night at a bouncing Celtic Park as the Scottish champions made a good impression on the biggest stage.

Check out the incredible atmosphere. Footage from RonnieJ67 - YouTube

More reaction

Callum McGregor spoke with the media after the match and said that their performance at times showed they belong in Champions League: "We've been building towards that belief. We trust ourselves and trust the manager. We took the game to Madrid. We had a 10-15 minute spell where we lost concentration and that's why they're the holders, the quality they have on the counter."

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