Anne Wong
Real Madrid Women delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Celtic Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
With Caroline Weir setting the tone early, Real Madrid dominated the game, leaving Celtic without a point.
First Half: Weir’s Rocket Sets the Stage
Real Madrid wasted no time making their intentions clear. In just the seventh minute, Caroline Weir delivered a jaw-dropping 20-yard strike that gave them an early lead. This electrifying moment set the tone for the match as Real Madrid dominated possession and continuously threatened Celtic’s defense.
Despite Real’s aggressive attacks, Celtic held their ground well during the remainder of the half. The Celtic defense, led by goalkeeper Amy Gallacher, survived close calls, including a heart-stopping moment when a deflected shot hit the woodwork. The first half ended with Celtic narrowly trailing by Weir’s solitary goal.
Second Half: Bruun to Moller – The Goals Keep Coming
The second half saw Real Madrid intensifying their offensive onslaught. After numerous attempts, Signe Bruun found the back of the net in the 72nd minute. She completed a slick team play, expertly heading in a cross from Eva Navarro.
The floodgates opened as Caroline Moller capitalized on a lapse in the Celtic defense. Spotting the goalkeeper off her line, she skillfully chipped the ball over to notch Real Madrid’s third goal just ten minutes after Bruun’s header.
Caicedo Seals the Deal
Linda Caicedo stepped up to take a penalty after being fouled in the box. With calm precision, she slotted the ball home, marking the fourth goal of the game.
Caicedo’s goal added icing to the cake, capping off a commanding performance by the hosts who now looked unstoppable. Celtic struggled to fight back, unable to break Real Madrid’s solid control over the game.
Real Madrid’s relentless pressure did not wane with their fourth goal. They kept up the intensity, clearly eager to secure a clean sheet while Celtic’s hopes dwindled further with every passing minute.
Mixed Fortunes: Real Madrid’s Redemption and Celtic’s Struggles
This victory was crucial for Real Madrid, marking their first win in the Group B fixtures after previously stumbling. For Celtic, however, it was a story of continuous challenges. Two consecutive losses have them at the bottom of the group.
Despite the scoreline, Celtic’s manager, Elena Sadiku, expressed pride in her players’ effort against such a formidable opponent. She emphasized the importance of learning and growing from this arduous experience.
Post-Match Reactions and Reflections
Real Madrid exhibited a textbook display of teamwork and skill throughout the match. Each goal was a testament to their tactical execution and individual brilliance. Their coach undoubtedly left the field with a renewed sense of optimism for the remaining Champions League games.
Celtic, although battered, could take solace in their resilience, especially during the first half. Manager Sadiku remains optimistic, encouraging her team to use this experience to fuel future opportunities.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Teams?
Real Madrid can use this morale-boosting win as a stepping stone to further success in the Women’s Champions League. They seem ready to tackle upcoming challenges with renewed vigor.
For Celtic, the path ahead looks daunting. They face formidable opponents like Chelsea in their next matches and will have to dig deep to turn their fortunes around.
In the end, Real Madrid’s dominance was unquestionable, sealing a well-deserved victory.
Celtic, although defeated, gained invaluable experience and motivation for their future Champions League matches.
