Eden Hazard’s tap in from close range has all but given Real Madrid all three points in the group stage at Celtic Park, after three goals in 20 minutes has given the Hoops a winless start to their Champions League adventure.
Two quickfire goals from Vinicius Jr and Luka Modric put the away side 2-0 up despite Celtic arguably edging the first half in the east end of Glasgow, leaving Celtic beleaguered on their home turf.
It has been a valiant performance from Ange Postecoglou’s men, but class has unfortunately showed with the Spanish champions picking the hosts apart after the interval.
The gulf in quality has shown with Eden Hazard, Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Antonio Rudiger entering the fray from the bench – players who in their prime would total a market value of at least £250million.
And the Belgian’s entrance resulted in the third goal which has ultimately killed the tie off after a well-worked goal left the former Chelsea man with the net at his mercy.
Ange got it wrong! We lost our shape and balance when Maeda came on. He reminds me of a good Scotland player, “2 touch Durie”. Maeda doesn’t have a 1st touch! What disappointed most was he didn’t even do his usual hunting down. His miss was a joke. Not good enough for this level!
Saed looks a better player as Abada does!
The biggest issue was we started the transfer window looking for a holding midfielder (Souza, Vera) then we made it a last choice.
If Abilgaard is good and had arrived 3 weeks earlier he may have played and helped against Modric who is class.
However I have seen enough to suggest we can get to the last 16, Maeda shouldn’t be used as 1st choice or 2nd.
Jota & Saed should be 1st choice & get Abilgaard up to speed before the next Champions league game!