Our guest writer Jon Attenborough was at New Douglas Park last night to watch Celtic FC Women take on Real Madrid on Matchday 5 of this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Here’s Jon’s thoughts on how it all played out.
===============================
Celtic Women began their 5th match of the UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Real Madrid playing with a lot of confidence against one of Europe’s elite sides.
From the get go Real Madrid asserted their dominance, however Celtic showed confidence in their play, and with a strong backline held the Spanish side at bay until the half hour mark when Signe Bruun capitalised on an error to make it 0-1 going into the break.
The best chance of the half for Celtic came with a good free kick from Lucy Ashworth-Clifford into the box which was well defended by Madrid.
Celtic started the second half strongly, showing that they had the determination to take the game to the Spanish giants.
Celya Barclais opening up the play for Morgan Cross early in the second half as Elena Sediku’s side tried to find an equaliser, but ultimately it was Real Madrid who would go on to get the second goal.
It landed in the 71st minute with Signe Bruun once again grabbing the goal.
Celtic used their full quota of substitutions and the changes very nearly paid off as they fought to get back on level terms and Saoirse Noonan came closest when she forced the Real Madrid keeper into action to tip her shot round the post.
However it would be Madrid who got the all-important third goal of the game to end this one as a contest with a low shot by Alba Ferrer in the 85th minute sealing the win for the visitors.
Just The Start
Although the result didn’t go Celtic’s way, this match showcased just how much the team have grown in confidence on their maiden voyage in European football’s top tournament.
The experience will undoubtedly prove valuable with the side having once again gone toe to toe with one of Europe’s elite level teams.
And though they’ve yet to pick up any points from the campaign so far the manager has been pleased overall with what her side has given.
Speaking after the game Elena said that this was “just the start” for this group (at this level) and that they’re now looking to “build from here”.
Given what they’ve achieved under her guidance so far, who would bet against them doing so!
Celtic’s journey in this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League concludes next week with the final group stage game away to FC Twente (Tuesday 17th December).
The Celtic Exchange Weekly
Tune into the latest episode of The Celtic Exchange Podcast by clicking the graphic above or the player/links below,
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify