Celtic v Real Madrid – UEFA Women’s Champions League Match Preview

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The Celtic Star

·11 de diciembre de 2024

Celtic v Real Madrid – UEFA Women’s Champions League Match Preview

It’s Celtic versus Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League this evening at a wintery New Douglas Park. Can Elena Sadiku’s side pick up their first points in their first ever Champions League campaign?

Celtic FC Women are back in action in the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stages this evening with Elena Sadiku’s Scottish Champions still seeking their first point after defeats to FC Twente, Real Madrid and back-to back defeats against Chelsea.

This is Celtic’s first ever appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the fact that the Ghirls have been competitive in all four games certainly leaves plenty of positives as Sadiku looks to build on this experience. The important factors in achieving that will be enhanced recruitment and also retaining the SWPL1 title. After the Champions League is out the way that will have to be the main focus.

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Celtic have lost all four games in Group B and are already eliminated, but remain determined to earn their first points in the competition. The Ghirls will take inspiration from the tougher tests posed to group leaders Chelsea, during which Murphy Agnew scored the club’s first Women’s Champions League goal.

Real Madrid are confirmed quarter-finalists following a 3-2 victory at Twente in their most recent European outing. Despite conceding first, Caicedo, Bruun and Redondo all found net to book Las Blancas a spot in the last eight for the second time. The visitors will still be keen to take maximum points against Celtic though, as top spot in Group B is still up for grabs!

Players of Real Madrid pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Celtic FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Real Madrid registered a 4-0 victory at home to Celtic on Matchday 2 in the first ever meeting between the two sides. Caroline Weir broke the deadlock inside seven minutes, with Signe Bruun, Caroline Møller and Linda Caicedo all adding to the scoreline deep in the second half. Despite conceding four, Celtic’s defensive efforts were worthy of praise.

Players of Celtic pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Celtic FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Media Conference

Celtic manager Elena Sadiku and midfielder Shanon McGregor spoke to the media yesterday ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid Feminino at New Douglas Park.

Caroline Weir of Real Madrid is challenged by Amy Gallacher and Natalie Ross of Celtic during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Celtic FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Elena Sadiku, Celtic coach: “At the start of the season I remember showing the players our schedule and how many games we will play. I remember the expression on their faces, seeing our badge next to all the big badges in the Champions League, and now we’re living the dream. We will welcome Real Madrid to Glasgow with a big, cold hug.”

Shannon McGregor, Celtic midfielder: “For all the hard work we have put in, I think we deserve something. We have given everything we have got in every game. Everyone says we have been defending well. Against Real Madrid and Chelsea, we have played some really nice football, so hopefully we can do that again and get a point. I just pray that we get a point from one of the two remaining games.”

Colette Cavanagh of Celtic passes the ball under pressure from Filippa Angeldal of Real Madrid during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Celtic FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Meanwhile Real Head Coach Alberto Toril is chasing the three points tonight to set up a showdown with Chelsea on Matchday six to decide who tops the group.

Alberto Toril, Real Madrid coach: “We have already qualified, but we want to compete for top spot. We know the conditions will be difficult. [Celtic] are a very aggressive team and, despite being knocked out, they’re going to try to play well in front of their own fans.”

Kick-off Time

Celtic FC Women v Real Madrid Feminino at New Douglas Park in Hamilton kicks off at 8pm.

Match Officials

Tonight’s match officials are from Romania. The game will be refereed by Luliana Demetrescu, her assistants are Michaela Tepusa and Roxana Ivanov and the Fourth Official is Ana Maria Terteleac.

Alba Redondo of Real Madrid is challenged by Lucy Ashworth-Clifford of Celtic during the UEFA Women’s Champions League match between Real Madrid CF and Celtic FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on October 17, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Where to Watch or Listen

Celtic v Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League is available to watch and stream online via DAZN. BBC Radio Scotland will have live radio commentary. Celtic TV will also have live audio of the match for subscribers around the world, including in Britain and Ireland.

🟢⚪️ #UWCL MATCHDAY 💫 🆚 Real Madrid ⌚️ 8pm 📍 New Douglas Park 🏆 @UWCL 📺 Live on @DAZNWFootball 🎟️ Buy tickets online | https://t.co/V8Y4nONUJa #CelticRealMadrid | #CelticFC🍀
– miércoles, 11 de diciembre de 2024

Score Prediction

Goal Celtic! And the scorer number 12, Murphy Agnew!!!! Celtic v Chelsea, UWCL, Wednesday 13 November 2024. Celtic Park. Photo AJ (The Celtic Star)

Would love to see the Ghirls get something this evening and the weather could play a big party in that actually happening. Even a point would be sensational and the heart says a 1-1 draw but sadly the head overrules that with Real Madrid overcoming the elements to win 2-0.