If you asked most football fans it’s very likely that they’d admit beating a team 6-0 is not all that respectful. It seems, though, that’s not an opinion shared by Atletico Madrid after their win over Celtic.
They beat Brendan Rodgers side by that exact scoreline in the Champions League last night, with goals from Antoine Griezmann, Alvaro Morata, Smauel Lino and Saul Niguez inflicting a humiliating defeat on the Scottish side.
That result, partly brought on by the red card for Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, ensured a miserable night in Spain and brought back memories of their record 7-0 defeat to Barcelona seven years ago.
It was a game that won’t be remembered with any fondness, particularly as it effectively ended their hopes of doing anything in the Champions League this season.
Some will point out that Celtic were unfortunate to go down to ten men and come up against an Atletico side that were in no mood to pull their punches either.
The eventual 6-0 defeat could be seen as a little disrespectful but Griezmann insists the opposite is actually the case.
“We were having a hard time getting into the games and today we did well,” he said in comments relayed by Mundo Deportivo.
“The expulsion has given us more peace of mind. We have to continue improving day by day. Respecting the opponent means trying to do as much as possible and not do stupid things (such as tricks).
“Those who entered did very well and we have to continue like that. My position also needs to steal balls and I try to do what I should, I’m learning by watching a lot of football on TV. You can always improve and in LaLiga there are very good midfielders.”
