Elena Sadiku’s team have now lost all five of their Group B matches, scoring just a single goal and conceding 14 throughout a tough schedule that has also included defeats to Chelsea and FC Twente.
A stunning long-range strike from Signe Bruun had the visitors ahead at half-time. The Danish international further punished the reigning Scottish champions with a second-half header, her fifth goal in the Champions League this season. Alba Redondo rounded off the scoring late on to secure a dominant win.
Alberto Toril’s team arrived in Hamilton knowing they had already booked a place in the last eight of the tournament. Nonetheless, a strong starting eleven was named in pursuit of table-toppers Chelsea.
Celtic coach Sadiku, intent on earning the club’s first points in the competition, similarly fielded her established starters despite being ruled out of progression to the knockout stages.
Boasting two players recently named in FIFPRO’s World XI, Linda Caicedo and Olga Carmona, Real Madrid dominated possession and territory in the early stages only to be frustrated by a combative and energetic Celtic defence.
Madrid increased the pressure on the opposition backline approaching the half-hour mark, first having an offside Caroline Weir goal disallowed before quickly following up with the first true moment of quality in the match.
The impressive Caicedo smartly intercepted a misplaced Caitlin Hayes pass and combined with Danish forward Bruun, who launched a fierce shot into the top left-hand corner of the net from a full 25 yards. Celtic goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty was helpless to stop it even at full stretch, such was the power and accuracy of the strike.
Despite that setback, the home side managed to weather further attacking storms to keep themselves in the fixture at half-time. Outside of Bruun’s opener, Daugherty hadn’t been tested.
Real Madrid continued to control proceedings after the break. Although Celtic worked hard with some spirited pressing and had some direct forays forward, they struggled to establish consistent possession. Toril’s team always looked good for the victory.
The telling damage came after 71 minutes when Naomie Feller’s sumptuous, floated cross bypassed the Celtic defence for Bruun to head home from close range.
Celtic substitute Saoirse Noonan came closest to bringing the home team back into the match with a low drive which Madrid goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez did well to save to her right-hand side.
Madrid added to their advantage after 86 minutes through substitute Redondo, who accurately nodded in Sheila Garcia’s cross.
Lagging behind Barcelona in Liga F, the Spaniards know the Champions League may well be their best shot at major silverware this term. Victory in Scotland ensures they still have a chance of winning the group and securing more favourable seeding in the quarter-final draw. To do so will require a home victory against Chelsea in their final group game.
Celtic’s Sadiku has emphasised throughout this European campaign that this has been a learning experience for her team, who are competing at this level for the first time in the club’s history.
Bridging the gap to competing against continental foes clearly won’t come easy, that much has become clear. It will be a long journey from the dominance enjoyed against most domestic opponents to credibly challenging sides such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Despite being on the receiving end of some heavy defeats, Celtic have shown confidence and pride in their play, only to ultimately come undone against a ruthless, higher class of opponent.
There will be one, final chance to salvage something from the group stage with a visit to play FC Twente next Tuesday. Earning a victory, or even a point in that one would be reward for the efforts put into Group B and signal that Celtic do have ambitions to make a name for themselves on the European scene.