Celtic’s Women’s Champions League campaign is set to reach a new level on Thursday night as they face the formidable challenge of Real Madrid in the Spanish capital. This clash is poised to be one of the toughest tests the team has faced in their 17-year history, marking a pivotal moment in their European journey.
Celtic Women’s 2-0 defeat to Dutch champions FC Twente last week served as a tough introduction to the rigors of European football. Despite a valiant effort, Celtic fell short in what was seen as their best chance to secure points in a daunting group that also features Real Madrid and Women’s Super League champions Chelsea.
Las Blancas, experienced in Champions League football with four consecutive tournament appearances, are currently on a rough patch, having lost their last six group-stage matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Chelsea in London last week. Despite being clear underdogs, debutants Celtic are rallying behind manager Elena Sadiku’s fearless message: be brave, be confident – and fear no one.
“The badge is huge,” Celtic manager Elena Sadiku acknowledged. “We all know what Real Madrid stands for and the experience they bring to the group stage. But for us, it’s about going into the game, doing our very best to get points, and focusing on how we’re going to win it.”
Sadiku emphasized the team’s mindset: “That hunger and game plan is key. Respect them, yes, but fear no one. I’ve said it before, and I’m really excited to see brave, confident players rise to the challenge tomorrow.”
She also highlighted the team’s attitude: “It was Kelsey [Daugherty] who said we need to show swagger. We are the champions of Scotland.”
It’s been a quick turnaround for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side, who made their Champions League debut at New Douglas Park just last Tuesday. The 2-0 loss to FC Twente marked the Scottish champions’ first defeat of the season, but Sadiku remains positive, calling it a performance the team can be proud of.
“They fought throughout the whole game, and for me, the takeaway is: can we do better in possession?” Sadiku reflected. “We won a lot of corners, created half chances, and had a great opportunity in the second half. It’s about learning from that experience and improving for the Madrid game. But overall, the intensity is different when you’re playing against top teams and quality players.”
Sadiku continued: “If we can manage that intensity and bring it to our domestic games, we know we’re going to improve and become even more dominant. This experience in the group stage is going to be invaluable for us moving forward.”