Real Madrid Secure Victory Over Celtic in Women’s Champions League Clash

Real Madrid secured a decisive win against Celtic in their Women's Champions League engagement, played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on Thursday, October 17th, 2024. The match marked another challenging encounter for Celtic, who are appearing in the group stage of the competition for the first time.

Celtic’s manager, Elena Sadiku, had called for her team to show bravery and confidence against the formidable Spanish side, emphasizing the need to “adapt the game plan” to exploit Real Madrid’s weaknesses. Despite an initial show of resilience, the Scottish champions struggled to hold back Real Madrid’s experienced lineup.

The game saw a notable diving header from Real Madrid’s Bruun that doubled the host team’s advantage. This came amidst commendable build-up play, showcasing the Spanish side’s attacking prowess. Celtic, on the other hand, had moments of opportunity, with Emma Lawton coming close to scoring, only to find the side netting after a promising attack.

Real Madrid’s manager, Alberto Toril, fielded a strong squad, missing only midfielder Teresa Abelleira due to a knee injury. Players like Caicedo and Leupolz were instrumental in maintaining control in the midfield, while Weir and Redondo posed constant threats upfront.

In response to Real Madrid’s offensive strategies, Celtic made several substitutions, including Maria McAneny replacing Bruna and Morgan Cross coming on for Murphy Agnew, to reinvigorate their attack. However, despite these efforts, their attempts were largely thwarted by Real Madrid’s sturdy defense.

Post-match, Sadiku acknowledged the learning curve for her team, stating, “The experience here is invaluable. We are learning what it takes to compete at this level, and it’s only going to make us better domestically.”

For Real Madrid, the victory marked a continuation of their strong form at home, affirming their status as group favorites despite an opening loss to Chelsea. Celtic, meanwhile, face the task of regrouping as they reflect on the valuable lessons learned in top-tier European competition.