Defiant Callum McGregor wants Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages - so he can get revenge on Croatia playmaker Luka Modric. McGregor was part of the Scotland side that crashed out of Euro 2020 12 months ago, with Modric and Croatia winning at Hampden in the last group stage game to send Steve Clarke 's team packing on home turf.
Modric in particular stole the show that day with one stunning strike and another assist to do the damage in a Glasgow masterclass that haunts the memories of every Scotland fan who watched it. And it was worse for Scotland skipper McGregor, who struggled to get close to the wiley Real Madrid playmaker in his first major tournament with his country.
McGregor has bounced back since then in some style, however, leading Ange Postecoglou's Celtic to the group stage of the Champions League after winning last season's Premiership. And he's hoping they'll be matched up with Real when the draw comes around, so he can get his own back on his Euro foe.
McGregor was speaking to Celtic TV and was asked which stadium he'd most like to play in. He said: "I've played at some pretty big ones but the one I haven't played at is Real Madrid. I think everyone would probably join me in saying they want them in the group.
"Against Modric again, 12 months on, he ran the show that day (at the Euros), so I'll try and get a bit closer to him. We're looking forward to it whoever we get, it's a big competition and a big test for us. We'll be ready."
Celtic will find out on Thursday, August 25 who they will face in their return to the group stage of the Champions League. They will go into Pot Four, while Real will go into Pot One after winning La LIga last season.
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