by Tactically, Celtic played about as well as one could expect, but they simply ran out of steam in the final quarter.
Sadiku prepared her side to tame Real’s firepower and if Weir hadn’t fired in the early wonder shot, they could have gone to the dressing room at the break very happy with their start.
Their usual 3-4-2-1 formation was more like a 5-4-1 formation as the hosts dominated the ball and chances as expected, but most of Real’s attempts in the first hour were comfortable for goalkeeper Daughtery.
Sadiku started with three natural full-backs, with Celya Barclais and Lawton doubling the stunning Caicedo on Real’s left.
The Colombian was still electric but Barclais and Lawton smothered the space she was given to work her magic around the penalty area.
As a result, Caicedo was often forced to look for an extra pass rather than take a shot himself, which helped Celtic limit chances for 63 minutes after Weir’s opener.
Ultimately, the Spanish side were too strong when they used the style – cutting Celtic apart when Navarro took the lead for the crucial second while Möller’s long-range shot was smooth.
This performance will give the Scottish champions more encouragement than their opening display against Twente on their group stage debut, but things will only get more difficult next time when they face Chelsea home and away in November.
