Matt O'Riley admits it almost felt like Celtic had WON against Real Madrid after the incredible reception they received at full-time.
Ange Postecoglou's men went down 3-0 to the reigning Champions League holders on their big return to the top table as they went toe-to-toe with Los Blancos. Callum McGregor rattled the post while Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda both missed huge chances with the scoreline level before the Spanish giants upped their game in the second period.
Vinicus JR, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard grabbed the goals for the visitors as they showed their class to put the game beyond the Scottish champions - who stuck by their principals under the Aussie boss and continued to attack and attack - much to the delight of the home support who made Parkhead a cauldron of noise from start to finish. Denmark Under-21 star O'Riley - who has had the likes of Manchester United linked with him in recent times - has hailed the 'unbelievable' reception from the home support and says the attacking display shows they can compete at Europe's elite level as they bid to put in big performances against RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.
READ MORE: Green Brigade hand Celtic Champions League welcome to remember as Real Madrid met by wall of colour
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He said: "We don't know how big a club we are.
"Our supporters, it's like one of the biggest clubs in the world - so we want to repay them by competing against these teams and actually winning these games.
"We've proven we can if we're just a little bit more ruthless, have that bit more cutting edge. That's just the difference.
"The reception we got from the fans was unbelievable, even after the game. We lost 3-0 but it almost felt like we'd won the game, that was the kind of support we got. That was cool from them. The game could've been very different.
"We know how good a side they are, they control the game well. But they only controlled it once they took the lead.
"If we took the first goal, and the first goal was massive, then it could've been a different matter. The first 55 minutes or so, I'd say we were the better team in terms of the better chances. But it's a lesson for us.
"There's loads to learn for us, including for me personally.
"It just shows the difference at the very top level, they're just so ruthless.
"We obviously can compete with these teams, we've proven that. But the result didn't show that and it was disappointing."
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