The defending champions of the UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid, have started their title defense on an emphatic note with a 3-0 victory over Scottish giants and champions Celtic.

Real Madrid won the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup while campaigning in this season’s UEFA Champions League As La Liga champions.

The Los Blancos were held to a 0-0 draw in the first half by a very strong and stubborn Celtic, but Real Madrid found their way through the second half, scoring three times.

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, who scored the winning goal in the final against Liverpool last season, was also on target on Tuesday evening in the 56th minute of the game.

Croatian midfielder Luka Modric made it 2-0 for Real Madrid, while Eden Hazard scored for Real Madrid to make it 3-0 in the 77th minute.

There was an injury worry for Los Blancos after they had to substitute Karim Benzema in the first half of the game.

Elsewhere, Sevilla lost at home to Manchester City 4-0, with Erling Haaland scoring a brace in the game.

On Wednesday, Atletico Madrid will face Portuguese side FC Porto in the UEFA Champions League, while Barcelona will face Viktoria Plzen.

Barcelona manager Xavi has stated that the Czech republic side is not a side to be complacent against. The former midfielder stated that Plzen has nothing to lose and, as such, shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“We play at home against an opponent who doesn’t have anything to lose. It’s a test; we need to be alert. They are a physical opponent; they know how to counter-attack. They are very quick in transition. It’s the Champions League, and we need to start in the best way possible. It’s a difficult group.” Xavi said.

Furthermore, he stated that there would be squad rotation on Wednesday due to the accumulation of fatigue from a demanding calendar.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu