Celtic vs Real Madrid LIVE: Champions League result, final score and reaction tonight

The Champions League holders begin their defence with a trip to Scotland as Carlo Ancelotti and Ange Postecoglou meet for the first time

(EPA)

At once a genuinely unique occasion, and also a relatively routine win for Real Madrid. Celtic Park joyously showcased the deafening decibel levels a Champions League night should reach, but the European champions reminded them of the level required to actually compete.

Those last few words are why there is absolutely no shame to this 3-0 defeat for Celtic, who should instead be proud of the manner of their performance.

This is just the modern Champions League. Ange Postecoglou has also ensured it’s a very modern Celtic.

They put it up to Madrid more than Chelsea did at home last season, or even Paris Saint-Germain in the second half at the Bernabeu. There were long periods - and some tantalisingly thrilling moments - where it seemed like something even more special could be happening. Celtic had the chances. It’s just, since they didn’t take them, Madrid were always going to have the decisive quality.

It was a vintage European night in that way, too. If you don’t take your chances, the best sides will punish you.

Follow rection from Celtic vs Real Madrid live below:

Celtic vs Real Madrid LIVE

• 19’ - McGregor smashes the post as Celtic go close to taking lead
• 28’ - Benzema off through injury, Hazard comes on
• 57’ - GOAL! Vinicius Jr with the composed finish after a low cross from Valverde
• 60’ - GOAL! Modric pokes in the second just minutes later to put game beyond Celtic
• 76’ - GOAL! Hazard scores from close range for 3-0
• Hazard scores as Real Madrid start title defence with win over Celtic

[6 September 2022 18:40 · Karl Matchett]

Celtic and Rangers set to provide sorely needed emotional centre to Champions League group stage

Over the last few days, Ange Postecoglou has been drilling his players in a typically expansive gameplan, but it has all come with a new electricity. Tuesday night won’t just be a case of Celtic playing their normal game and refusing to change for anybody. It will instead be a night when the unique atmosphere fits with the usual approach, amplifying it, and they will just go with the mood of adventure.

You only have to walk around Glasgow this week to get a sense of what the Champions League is supposed to be about. The city that staged one of the old European Cup’s first truly mythical finals, when Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 at Hampden Park in 1960, now awaits the return of the 14-time champions with a rare excitement. Across the city, the Rangers players have been playing the Champions League theme on their phones as they head to Ajax, but that’s really all in anticipation of it booming around Ibrox for the visit of Napoli next Tuesday.

This is what the competition is supposed to feel like. One of the Champions League’s first cities, rather appropriately, is this group stage’s emotional centre.

Miguel Delaney previews the opening of the Champions League group stage:

[6 September 2022 18:39 · Karl Matchett]

Confirmed line-up for Real Madrid

The Spanish side have named their team plenty early again as they tend to do in Europe.

RMA XI: Courtois, Carvajal, Alaba, Militao, Mendy, Tchouameni, Modric, Kroos, Valverde, Benzema, Vini Jr

[6 September 2022 18:35 · Karl Matchett]

Is Celtic vs Real Madrid on TV tonight? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

Celtic return to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time in five years on Tuesday night.

Ange Postecoglu’s side have made a stunning start to their Scottish Premiership campaign, winning all six of their games and thrashing rivals Rangers 4-0 at the weekend.

But now they face a whole different task altogether as European champions Real Madrid arrive in Glasgow.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side won the competition last year and have been crown champions of the continent four times out of the last seven seasons.

Here’s everything you need to know.

[6 September 2022 15:00 · Karl Matchett]

Celtic vs Real Madrid: Kyogo Furuhashi fit to face European champions

Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi is available for Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid but Carl Starfelt will miss out.

Japan forward Furuhashi went off five minutes into Celtic’s 4-0 win over Rangers on Saturday after hurting his shoulder in a challenge with John Lundstram.

However, he was back on the training pitch at Lennoxtown on Monday morning and will compete with his replacement on Saturday, Giorgos Giakoumakis, for a place in the starting line-up.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou said: “Kyogo hurt his shoulder and trained this morning. He looked OK so he is available.

“I haven’t made a decision on whether he will play or not but, in terms of him training and doing everything in training, he was fine.”

Starfelt went off with a knee problem early in the second half of Saturday’s derby. Moritz Jenz replaced the Sweden centre-back to make his fifth appearance of the season.

Postecoglou added: “We haven’t had an exact diagnosis. It’s nothing too serious but it will probably keep him out for a couple of weeks.”