Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic FC was taught a harsh lesson in the opening round of the 2022/23 Champions League this morning, being defeated 3-0 by Real Madrid FC at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
Real Madrid, who are the defending European champs, scored two quickfire goals and then later a third to claim their win in the highly anticipated clash.
Despite the loss, Postecoglou made history this morning as he became the first Australian to coach in the UEFA Champions League.
Their victory was not without challenge with Postecoglou’s side serving up multiple first-half scares, namely that of Callum McGregor who unleashed a 21st-minute left-footed strike from 18-yards out, as assisted by Giorgos Giakoumakis, rattling the visitors’ post.
It was shortly after in the 30th minute that the Spanish team suffered a major blow, losing star striker Karim Benzema to a knee injury.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid entered the second half unrattled, firing off two quick goals from Vinicius Junior in the 56th minute and Luka Modric in the 60th.
3 minutes and 49 seconds between Real Madrid’s first and second goal this evening…
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 6, 2022
Just like that, it’s a massive uphill battle for Celtic 😰#UCL pic.twitter.com/M1Wcg9S6tx
Their third goal was secured with brilliance some 18 minutes later, by Eden Hazard.
Former Scotland forward James McFadden said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Listen to this place, they’re losing 3-0 and singing for the manager. That’s the appreciation the Celtic fans have for tonight.”
“Celtic created good chances, particularly in the first half. The crowd have stayed behind to show support for the team and the job the manager has done. The club is going in the right direction,” he added.
Ange Postecoglou and a fan 🍀
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) September 6, 2022
An Aussie coaching against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Pinch yourself.#UCL #OptusSport pic.twitter.com/SGPtPAOwDq
In his post-match interview, Postecoglou said he was “obviously disappointed in the outcome.”
“The first goal was always going to be important and up until that point, I thought we were well into the game, if anything we had the better chances,” he said.
“Once the goal went in … we tried to press on and again they were able to exploit the spaces we left.
“You learn at this level that if you don’t take your chances you’ll be punished.”
Speaking on Celtic FC more generally, he said: “This is a special football club.. the responsibility lies on me to get this football club to the level it deserves to be.”
