Celtic vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight
The Champions League holders begin their defence with a trip to Scotland as Carlo Ancelotti and Ange Postecoglou meet for the first time
At once a genuinely unique occasion, and also a relatively routine win for Real Madrid. Celtic Park joyously showcased the deafening decibel levels a Champions League night should reach, but the European champions reminded them of the level required to actually compete.
Those last few words are why there is absolutely no shame to this 3-0 defeat for Celtic, who should instead be proud of the manner of their performance.
This is just the modern Champions League. Ange Postecoglou has also ensured it’s a very modern Celtic.
They put it up to Madrid more than Chelsea did at home last season, or even Paris Saint-Germain in the second half at the Bernabeu. There were long periods - and some tantalisingly thrilling moments - where it seemed like something even more special could be happening. Celtic had the chances. It’s just, since they didn’t take them, Madrid were always going to have the decisive quality.
It was a vintage European night in that way, too. If you don’t take your chances, the best sides will punish you.
Follow rection from Celtic vs Real Madrid live below:
33’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
The game a little fragmented in midfield now and not too much penalty-box action for the first time in a while. Vinicius Jr tries to take on the whole defence but Juranovic says no - tremendous slide tackle to steal the ball cleanly.
Giakoumakis battles away against Carvajal and Militao, getting a touch on the ball in the area but fouling his man in the process.
28’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Valverde tries to clip in a cross after Modric sets him free, but Jenz is in place to repel the danger.
The Uruguayan then finds space to spin on the edge of the box and crash in a left-footed shot - but it’s wide of Hart’s near post.
That’s Benzema’s game over as he departs with injury. Eden Hazard is coming on in his place.
23’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid struggling to find fluidity in their attacking play. Karim Benzema has a problem around his knee area too after stepping awkwardly following a pass. Celtic, on the other hand, have yet to make any of their openings count but some of the link play and combinations in the final third have been exceptional.
19’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Hatate lashes in a volley from outside the box which Courtois has to beat away. Giakoumakis then tees up McGregor for a ferocious hit - and it smacks the inside of the post with the keeper flat-footed! So close to an opener.
15’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Really good work off the ball by Celtic so far and they are playing quickly through the spaces that Real leave in defence, but no end product just yet.
Militao is having a good start to the game and tracking Jota’s runs.
11’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Yellow card for Ferland Mendy for losing out in a relatively tame and normal battle with Giakoumakis. Seemed a bit harsh. End-to-end for a brief moment as Celtic almost open a chance and then Real break, but neither get a clean strike away. Abada then beats the offside trap but a side-footed effort doesn’t trouble Courtois.
7’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Magic pass by Hatate to spread play left and let Jota run at his man, but the eventual ball down the flank is underhit and Real build from deep.
Unusually sloppy in midfield from the Spanish side so far but they are certainly controlling open play with more regularity now over the past few minutes.
3’ - Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
Exceptionally fast and furious start by the home side but Real Madrid now just trying to get their foot on the ball for the first time. They will not be fazed by the hosts’ aggressions or atmosphere of course, but an early chance or two for Celtic could make matters interesting.
Kick-off! Celtic 0-0 Real Madrid
We are underway at Celtic Park! A great atmosphere at the start of the night and the home fans roar their appreciation as Thibaut Courtois is forced into a hurried clearance. Giakoumakis then finds Abada and his shot is turned just wide - almost the perfect start!
Celtic vs Real Madrid latest
Just five minutes now before we get underway.
Yesterday, Ange Postecoglou was pretty clear that he wasn’t going to downplay Celtic’s chances and that he wanted the fans to be right up for the game - sounds as though he has got his way. Celtic will be looking to cause a massive upset tonight.
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