Eden Hazard capped off an opening Champions League win for the holders
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Eden Hazard netted just his second Champions League goal for Real Madrid as the Spanish side hit their stride in the second-half to beat Celtic 3-0 in Glasgow.
The hosts threatened a major upset as they gave the current holders a real scare in the first-half, though went into the break with nothing to show for it.
That proved to be costly, as Real found their ruthless edge. Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric struck in quick succession, before Hazard finished off a sublime team goal to cap off the night in style for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Before that clinical display, Celtic enjoyed a really positive opening first 45 minutes. Liel Abada was unable to take a couple of presentable opportunities, while Callum McGregor saw his effort cannon back off the woodwork.
The visitors’ problems mounted when Karim Benzema was forced off with injury just 30 minutes into the match.
Real stepped it up after the break though and a ruthless four-minute spell gave them complete control of proceedings at Celtic Park.
Federico Valverde broke forward on the right wing, whipped a perfect low cross into the box and Vinicius was there at the back post to run onto it, guiding a lovely finish into the far corner.
Celtic barely had time to gather their thoughts before the lead was doubled. Real broke with numbers as Luka Modric drove into the box, kept the ball under his control as he cut inside and flicked a finish with the outside of his foot that proved too good for Joe Hart.
A long spell of sustained possession brought the third goal, as Toni Kroos quickly upped the ante with a lovely pass over the top for Dani Carvajal. He squared it on the volley into the path of Hazard, who could not miss from inside the six-yard box.
