Celtic Women’s manager Elena Sadiku stood firmly behind her players after their 4-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, focusing on the positives rather than the scoreline.
Despite the defeat, Sadiku expressed immense pride in her team’s defensive resilience and the attacking chances they created, reflecting on the character and potential within her squad.
The match saw Madrid take an early lead through Scotland international Caroline Weir, who scored from a brilliant long-range effort. Although Real Madrid added three more goals late into the second half, Sadiku was quick to point out her side’s defensive determination, particularly in the first half, where they frustrated their high-profile opponents. This strong foundation at the back is something Sadiku has prioritised, and she was pleased with how her players executed the game plan in a challenging environment.
Celtic’s performance improved in the second half, and they had several chances that could have altered the outcome. Emma Lawton and Murphy Agnew came close, but the final touch eluded them. Sadiku acknowledged the missed opportunities but remained optimistic about the team’s attacking intent and the lessons to be learned from facing such elite competition.
As quoted by RecordSport, the Celtic boss said:
“I think coming into this game we have highlighted we need to show the braveness we know we have in possession and being confident. I was proud of how we defended in the first-half. We frustrated them. We created chances second half and they could have changed the game.
“We need to execute them. How we attacked and how calm we were, that shows what I want from this team. No-one thought we would be here, it is about enjoying it. It should not have been 4-0, 2-0 would be more acceptable. I was proud of their efforts. Everyone in Scotland should be behind us because we are here and we are doing something no-one else is doing.”
It’s been a tough start for the Hoops in their first-ever Champions League group stage. It’s six goals against them in the first two games, without a goal or a point on the board yet.
