Atlético beat Celtic by six goals at home to remain top of the group

Atlético Madrid enjoyed Celtic at their home stadium, the Wanda Metropolitano, and packed six goals into their trip to Scotland. The second match between these clubs in a fortnight was rudely affected by Daizen Maeda’s sending off for Celtic. Two-goal scorers Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata were the biggest contributors to the home side’s win. With the win, Los Colchoneros continue to lead Group E.

The home side had a lot to make up for after a disappointing 1-2 loss to Las Palmas in La Liga at the weekend. The away draw against Celtic was also a loss, and they had a lot to make up for.

Los Colchoneros entered the game with a bang, with Antoine Griezmann changing the score in the 6th minute. It should be added that the visiting goalkeeper had the whole situation complicated by a light touch from one of the defenders.

Atlético waited after the goal and threatened mainly from breakaways. The Celtic players were more on the ball until this time, but in a succession of attacks they ended up on a well-prepared Madrid defence. The effort to equalise was then dealt a big blow in the 23rd minute when the visiting Daizen Maeda was sent off after the video referee intervened.

That was grist for the mill for Atlético’s offense, which put on a great show. It converted that into an advantage even in the first-half setup.

After a great cross from Jose Maria Gimenez, Alvaro Morata scored from close range. Celtic went into the box with a two-goal deficit.

The goal show continued in the second half

Even after the change of sides, the home side did not let up their determination and continued to conquer Joe Hart’s goal, who was the only one who kept Celtic afloat with his saves. Hart first kept out Argentine Correa, only to be helped by a crossbar against a Gimenez header.

The game was finally decided between the 60th and 65th minute when Antoine Griezmann scored his second goal of the game, only to be finished off five minutes later by a tight shot to the back post by the flawless substitute Samuel Lino.

If Celtic were hoping that the game would just go to extra time, they were mistaken. Atletico played with great gusto and extended their goal account after a beautiful shot under the crossbar by Alvaro Morata, it was the 76th minute.

Saul Niguez then made the final 6:0. Another substitute had enough space in the whitewash to calmly clear the ball past the helpless Hart after the first bad touch.

Atlético handled an important match with grace. They lead the Group E table with 8 points. However, despite their good position, Lazio and Feyenoord are still breathing down their necks by a narrow margin.

Celtic occupy the last place in the table and progression to the next Champions League rounds is only theoretical.

Source: UEFA, Premier Sport