‘Hopeless’ Celtic labeled ‘second-tier team’ as 6 players get worst possible grade after Madrid loss

Celtic’s Champions League campaign came to an end with a 5-1 defeat at the hands of Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were knocked out of the competition after finishing at the bottom of the group, with two points, four points behind third place Shakthar Donetsk.

Los Blancos’ result against Celtic meant they finish the group as leaders, as the European champions were handed two penalties before the half hour mark, which were converted by Luka Modrić and Rodrygo.

This was followed by goals from Marco Asensio, Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde in the second half. Jota came off the bench to score for Celtic at the Bernabéu.

Postecoglou started Josip Juranović, Moritz Jenz, Carl Starfelt and Greg Taylor in Celtic’s back four with Joe Hart behind in between the posts.

Spanish newspaper AS were not pleased with these five players’ performances, as they were all given a blank rating, which is the worst possible grade. David Turnbull, who came off the bench in the second half, also received the same rating.

Aaron Mooy, Matt O’Riley and Liel Abada, along with substitutes Sead Hakšabanović and Giorgos Giakoumakis received one star, while Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi were given two stars.

Only Jota received three stars for finding the back of the net for Celtic.

Describing Celtic’s overall display, AS labeled the Scottish champions as a ‘second-tier team’.

The newspaper further stated: ‘This hopeless Celtic had it at the Bernabéu, who came out biting and played better than their finishing and infinitely better than their defending, a good summary of what their journey through the competition has been.’