Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mya Bollan

5 things we spotted at Real Madrid's training session as the European champions prepare for Parkhead

There is not long to go now until Celtic kick off their Champions League campaign.

Ange Postecoglou 's side will face their toughest test yet, welcoming to current champions of Europe to Glasgow's east end. And the La Liga giants have already arrived, putting the finishing touches to the preparations ahead of Tuesday night's blockbuster under the lights at a ground Carlo Ancelotti is yet to win at.

There was no rest for the wicked when Real Madrid touched down in Scotland and it was straight to business as they prepared for the sure to be superb clash. Ancelotti's men have been familiarising themselves with the Celtic Park stage, completing a training session in the stadium after arriving in Glasgow. The current champions of Europe will certainly be looking to continue their winning form in the Champions League, kicking off with a victory in Glasgow. But Celtic's form stands them in good stead to put up a good fight.

Here are some thing Record Sport noticed as the Spanish outfit got to work...

Listen up lads

The boss man is in the building. And the Real Madrid players dare not avert their attention from Carlo Ancelotti as he issues his instruction upon the Parkhead grass.

The Real gaffer admitted that Glasgow's east end is not filled with the fondest of memories for him. The stage has not been a good one for him and his teams in the past. He managed an AC Milan side who visited Celtic Park on three occasions, but failed to secure a win. So, the Italian manager will be hoping to turn things around on Tuesday.

Ancelotti's previous Parkhead visits have taught him another thing too. You are always guaranteed an electric atmosphere. And that will surely be the case during the Champions League clash, with the Parkhead roar hoping to spur the home side to a European upset.

Keep a Luka out

Luka Modric is just days away from celebrating his 37th birthday, but he shows no signs of slowing down yet. The Croatian star looks happy to be in Glasgow, taking part in Real's training session on Monday evening.

The Madrid side's no.10 is just one of the talents Celtic will have to keep tabs on once the whistle blows in the Champions League opener on Tuesday.

Modric is playing his tenth campaign in a Real Madrid jersey this term, with an incredible 441 appearances for the club across all competitions. He helped the Spaniards to five Champions League titles so far, and will be looking to kick off this year's European adventure with a win. Can Celtic stop him?

Don't suffer from the Benz

Who can forget this man, Karim Benzema? The Celtic back line will need to be at their best if the striker is to be kept quiet in Glasgow's east end on Tuesday. The Frenchman looks like he already has his game face on as he got involved in Real's final preparations at Parkhead.

And if he is in the mood for goals during the Champions League opener, the Hoops could be in trouble. The 34-year-old is well known for his deadly finishing, and with five Champions League winners' medals in his pocket, he knows exactly what to expect in the competition.

However, with just one goal conceded in the last six league clashes, Celtic look to be sharp at the back and will be hoping to continue their no access approach as the footballing world watches on.

Who's laughing now?

Something clearly tickled Vinicius Junior during his side's session. The Brazilian forward earlier admitted that he cast an eye over Celtic's performance on Saturday. The Hoops were convincingly victorious in the first Old Firm of the season and the frontman was left well impressed.

However, the 22-year-old is adamant this visitors will stick to their guns when it comes to the way they play, despite Ange Postecoglou's side's strong performances so far this season. Vinicius was the man who made sure the Champions League trophy returned to Madrid last term, scoring the winner against in the grand finale.

And the star will surely be looking to continue his winning ways in the competition in the Group F opener at Celtic Park. But it begs the question, will he still look this cheery after the final whistle at Parkhead on Tuesday? Only time will tell.

Roberto's watchful eye

Roberto Carlos might have long hung up his playing boots, but that doesn't mean he isn't involved as Real Madrid got to it during their training session at Celtic Park.

Now the La Liga side's marketing director, Carlos has made the journey to Glasgow to cast his watchful - and experienced - eye over the side as they look to secure a victory on Tuesday. And he seemed to make himself comfortable in a dugout at Celtic Park as his beloved worked hard on the grass.

The former left back spent 11 glorious seasons in Madrid, making over 500 appearances to secure himself legendary status. He won three Champions League trophies during his time as a player, too. And now he will be cheering them on as they embark on yet another season at European football's top table.

READ NEXT

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.