Jota’s brilliant free-kick at the end might have given Celtic fans something to cheer about on their trip to the Santiago Bernabeu but the fact of the matter is that they lost 5-1 against Real Madrid. Of course, one could argue that the second penalty was harsh, and Josip Juranovic missed one from the spot himself, but overall, this was not a close match at all.
Interestingly, going forward, Celtic did hold their own, stinging the palms of Thibaut Courtois on more than one occasion, with Jota even scoring. Their finishing was lacking once again but chances were created.
It is on the other end that Celtic struggled badly. They could not handle Real Madrid when they passed the ball around the Hoops’ penalty box, they struggled badly when hit on the counter and were left exposed on the European champions’ lightning quick transitions.
It is pretty clear what Celtic are missing right now and it is a destroyer in the middle of the park. A defensive midfielder who can break up play, make a professional foul and even take a yellow card for the team when the Hoops are in trouble. More often than not, when Real Madrid had the ball, they just took a step back and allowed them to play their game. You cannot do that against a team that has the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and several other world-class players.
Celtic lacked presence in midfield against Real Madrid
Once again, Oliver Abildgaard was left on the bench and brought on as a late substitute. It is already November and he is yet to start a game.
It feels like the Dane has failed to impress Postecoglou till now. Celtic have already been linked with a January move for Japanese centre-back, Yuki Kobayashi. The club might as well look for a defensive midfielder too.
Celtic might not need one in most of the league matches, when teams sit back against them. But in games of this magnitude in the Champions League, they certainly do if they want to progress.