Celtic’s return to the Champions League group stage was an sad one as Ange Postecoglou’s aspect had been outclassed 3-0 by holders Actual Madrid in Glasgow.
After Celtic greater than held their very own in a scoreless first half, the stylish Spaniards lifted with a devastating second half blitz and targets to stars Vinicius Jr, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard at a packed Celtic Park.
After a 5 12 months absence from Europe’s prime flight, Celtic captain Callum McGregor almost gave the hosts a shock lead within the twenty first minute however his candy strike from exterior the field was denied by the woodwork.
Watch Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic and the world’s finest footballers within the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League, streaming ad-free, dwell and unique on Stan Sport
The impasse was lastly damaged within the 56th minute after a sweeping transfer from Madrid.
Federico Valverde picked out Vinicius and the Brazilian utilized a cool end for 1-0.
Legendary midfielder Modric then doubled the lead on the hour mark reducing inside and poking dwelling from shut vary with the surface of his good proper foot.
READ MORE: US Open rocked by main upset as Nadal loses
READ MORE: Manly gamers revolt over ‘explosive’ Hasler transfer
READ MORE: Chilling Roosters actuality follows daring interview
“You’re employed so arduous for that and within the house of a few minutes the sport’s moved away from you,” commentator Alan Smith stated on Stan Sport’s protection.
“However they’re enjoying the champions of Europe.”
Postecoglou introduced Socceroos midfielder Aaron Mooy on for inspiration however Hazard put the consequence past doubt within the 77th minute, swooping from shut vary after Dani Carvajal hooked the ball again expertly.
Champions League highlights: Dinamo Zagreb vs Chelsea
Hazard had changed gunstriker Karim Benzema who was substituted with an obvious knee damage within the thirtieth minute.
Benzema put his hand on his face as he slowly walked off the sector.
Celtic’s subsequent Champions League task is towards Shakhtar Donetsk on September 15.
Shakhtar thumped RB Leipzig 4-1 of their Group F opener on Wednesday.
“Bear in mind it is Actual Madrid so that you’re speaking the most effective group on the earth,” former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich stated on Stan Sport.
“So do not get too down (should you’re Celtic). Simply take these few little issues out of it.
Mbappe tears Juventus aside
“Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk aren’t going to be the identical customary to allow them to go after these two groups, particularly at dwelling.
“Do not let it knock your confidence an excessive amount of and stay up for the following video games.
“We’ve not let ourselves down, we did not look misplaced however we have learnt a few issues. That is it.”
In addition to McGregor’s close to miss, Celtic rued a one-on-one scenario squandered by Liel Abada within the first.
Postecoglou’s aspect continued to assault however had been ultimately picked off by Madrid’s professional counter-attack.
Belgium veteran Hazard was influential in Benzema’s absence and was concerned within the first two targets earlier than scoring himself.
“You perceive at this stage it is high-quality margins and the primary objective was all the time going to be necessary,” Postecoglou stated.
“Till that first objective we had been proper within the recreation, in all probability had the higher alternatives however we did not take them. As soon as they scored they took management of the sport.
“We took some dangers and so they had the standard to capitalise on it.”
For a every day dose of the most effective of the breaking information and unique content material from Huge World of Sports activities, subscribe to our e-newsletter by clicking right here
