In the long arc toward a historic fourteenth European crown, Real Madrid found themselves on a familiar path that edged toward a fifteenth triumph in Istanbul. The road remained uncertain, marked by challenging moments and news of injuries that cast a shadow over the team’s confidence. Yet Madrid pressed on with the stubborn resolve typical of their campaign, facing a game loaded with tension as they sought a return to top form without their lead striker.
The defense of the Champions League title began against a formidable Real Madrid side hungry for success. The visitors brought a blend of calm calculation and passion from the stands, with Carlo Ancelotti guiding his players to start with a level head and a steady heart. The early stages saw Madrid in possession, moving the ball with assurance, while the home crowd in Glasgow urged their team forward. Sevilla’s intensity had been diagnosed in advance as a warning, but the opening minutes kept the pressure firmly on the host, whose forward thrust came through quick, vertical runs spearheaded by the opponent’s key attackers.
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Benzema’s injury
Around the 20th minute, Courtois faced a sharp shot that forced a save when McGregor found space near the edge of the box. The moment heightened concerns as Benzema pulled up, clutching his knee, and the coach promptly deployed Hazard in his place, leaving Madrid with less firepower up front. The mood darkened as Ancelotti reaffirmed the need to stay composed against a Celtic side energized by their aggressive home support. A late first-half chance for Hazard nearly changed the script, but a one-on-one with Vinícius Júnior did not yield a goal. The field felt heavier with Karim’s injury looming over the team.
The second half opened with fresh bad news for Ancelotti, who had to replace Militao at halftime due to an injury. A moment of defensive misfortune allowed Maeda a clear sight at goal, and Celtic briefly took control. Yet Madrid managed to stabilize the match, refusing to let the setback derail their focus as the game wore on.
Shortly after the restart, Valverde sprang forward and released Vinícius into the space, sending the Brazilian soaring through the heart of the field before finishing clinically. Five minutes later Hazard found himself on the scoresheet again, delivering a precise pass to Modrić after a smart sequence that ended with the ball at the back of the net while Hazard wore the captain’s armband. The result gave Ancelotti his first win at Celtic Park, a milestone not previously achieved by him in any capacity.
As the match continued, Ancelotti began to rotate his squad, keeping the midfield tight and pressing with tempo. Kroos orchestrated the play, feeding Carvajal and Hazard to keep the ball moving and creating opportunities. The coach’s decision to substitute Benzema again reflected the ongoing assessment of Karim’s condition, while Eden pulled strings in midfield and forward areas, sustaining Madrid’s advantage as Celtic pressed without success.
Data sheet:
0-Celtic: Hart; Juranović, Carter-Vickers, Jenz, Taylor; O’Riley (Mooy, art. 72), McGregor, Hatate (Turnbull, art. 72); Abada (Maeda, m.46), Giakoumakis (Furuhashi, m.72) and Jota.
3 – Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao (Rüdiger, m.30), Alaba, Mendy; Tchouaméni, Kroos, Modrić (Marco Asensio, m.80); Fede Valverde, Vinícius (Rodrygo, m.80) and Benzema (Hazard, m.30).
Goals: 0-1, art.56: Vinícius. 0-2, m.60: Modrić. 0-3, art.77: Danger.
Judge: Sandro Schärer (SUI). warned Maeda (63) for Celtic; and Mendy (10) for Real Madrid.
Events: The Group F match, which coincided with the opening day of the Champions League, was played at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 spectators.