Celtic losing to Real Madrid away at Santiago Bernabeu was not an unexpected result, even though the margin of defeat would have surely disappointed the fans. A stunning free-kick from Jota might have given them a rare instance to celebrate, but overall, it was a frustrating evening for the Hoops supporters.
While criticising the performance of the team, one cannot overlook the two penalties that Real Madrid were handed early in the first half, which pretty much ended the game then and there.
The first one was for a handball on Moritz Jenz, who was unlucky because of the bounce of the ball when Federico Valverde scuffed a shot. He was not even looking at it when it struck his arm. The second one was even harsher as a full on blast from Rodrygo hit Matt O’Riley’s hand. The appeals were waived off at first before VAR intervened.
Both of those penalties seemed pretty harsh. Yes, there is no doubt that they struck the arms of the Celtic players, but the circumstances leading up to it must be considered as well. Where else could their arms have been? And it is not just Hoops fans that are saying that but Real Madrid heroes as well.
Real Madrid hero makes unexpected admission about the penalties against Celtic
As reported by the Daily Record, two-time Champions League winner Steve McManaman said about the penalties on BT Sport:
"“I personally think the two Real Madrid penalties are awful, rubbish. They spoil the game, they’re terrible decisions. Yes, the ball strikes the arm on both of them but if Fede Valverde hits it properly it avoids the defender completely.“Celtic have been really unlucky. Yes, it’s hits his arm and it’s in the penalty area, but there’s just no real reasoning behind the play itself. I was really disappointed with it.“(Second penalty) Why is VAR getting involved? We know it’s hits his hand but it was going 20 yards wide. O’Riley has to defend his goal, you can’t expect to run across with his arms by his side like a mannequin. It beggars belief some of these decisions, it really does.”"
Celtic did get a penalty of their own as well, when Liel Abada was brought down in the box, but Josip Juranovic failed to capitalise. The Croatian struck a pretty tame effort which was easily saved by Thibaut Courtois.
Of course, there is nothing to be said about the other three Real Madrid goals. It was a combination of bad defending from Celtic and the European champions’ unquestionable quality. But if those two early penalties did not go their way, this could have been a different game.