The winners of the Real Madrid star gallery group during the goal celebration

The first two were scored by Luka Modric and Rodrygo after two handball situations. Then it’s Celtic’s turn to try from the penalty spot, but Josip Juranovic’s attempt is stopped by Thibaut Courtois.

The Whites then scored three superb goals and ensured a festive evening in Madrid. Marco Asensio, Vinícius Júnior and Federico Valverde increased the lead after the break.

Celtic’s Jota converted 1-5 from a fine free-kick on the brink.

The win means Real Madrid advance to the knockout stages as group winners, one point ahead of RB Leipzig, who won 4-0 away to Shakhtar Donetsk. The Ukrainian team finished with six points and a third place, giving them a Europa League play-off.

Christopher Nkunku, André Silva, Dominik Szoboszlai and Dani Olmo scored the goals for the German team. Ørjan Nyland, who made his debut for Leipzig in the German series at the weekend, sat on the bench.

Victory tasted good for Real Madrid, who after a 20-game unbeaten streak had to see themselves beaten by Leipzig last week. Last weekend it was only 1-1 against Girona in the domestic series.

Three shots on goal

Real Madrid started the game with, among others, Karim Benzema and Antonio Rüdiger on the bench. After five minutes, Modric sent the hosts ahead. A quarter of an hour later, it was Rodrygo’s turn to score with chalk.

Celtic were in the first half. In addition to Juranovic’s missed penalty, several chances were created, but Courtois was on the scoresheet.

After the break, there was no doubt. Asensio made it 3-0 with a controlled finish before Junior scored after 60 minutes. He met a cross from Asensio which Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart was behind.

Celtic looked increasingly empty and Valverde made it 5-0 with a good finish. Jota was able to end Real Madrid’s evening with his fine free-kick.

Werner injured

In the other game of the group, Germany’s Leipzig, with goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland on the bench, needed at least one point against Shakhtar Donetsk to secure promotion. It started well when Nkunku’s sneaky goal made it 1-0 before ten minutes were played.

The striker grabbed a rebound after the home side’s goalkeeper saved Timo Werner’s arrival. The forward pulled a balloon out of his sock and popped it as part of the celebration.

Werner then had to hobble injured after suffering what appeared to be a twisted ankle. There are only three weeks left until Germany play their World Cup opener.

Second-half goals from Silva, Szoboszlai and Olmo finally made victory comfortable for Leipzig.

Darell Ferguson

"Tv guru. Analyst. Lifelong alcohol junkie. Friendly bacon specialist. Twitter nerd."

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