Even the Glasgow train can't stop an unbeatable Real Madrid side

March 5, 1980 was Real Madrid's last visit to Celtic Park. It was 17 years after Bruce Reynolds and his gang pulled off the famous robbery of the century. A £300,000 postal train robbery from Glasgow to London that led to 30 years in prison over Monopoly, many films and several prison breaks years later.

Greek coach Ange Postecoglou's Celtic took to the pitch at the legendary stadium eager to overwhelm the European champions. In the stands, a tifo in one of the corners reminded the 500 Madridistas that any time past for banners in Chamartín was better and that it was not going to be an easy game. 

In the 21st minute Callum McGregor smashed a ball against Courtois' goalpost that didn't put Real Madrid off. Los Blancos play with the same personality as their coach, calm, with a point of superiority and without losing their composure at any time. They knew that their moment would come and that the Vinicius-Benzema duo would end up working.

But Benzema was suffering from his five games in a row this season and had to be substituted after half an hour. Even this kind of situation worked out well for Ancelotti, who brought on Hazard. Nobody remembered that the Belgian was still at the club and his appearance on the pitch maintained the illusion of the player who promised at Cibeles to return to his old self.

The first half ended in a goalless draw, but with the sensation that the sale of Casemiro has been a great deal for Real Madrid. Tchouaméni is partnering Kross and Modrid at the same level as Casemiro and even his stride on the ball is more powerful.

The first goal had to remind us of the final in Paris on 28 May 2022. The Champions League of the 2022-2023 season began with a Valverde cross from the right that Vinicius finished off on the left with a perfect touch. 

The white roller had stopped the Glasgow train in its tracks and Ancelotti's side were well-oiled. Nobody noticed that Militao was left in the dressing room at half-time and Rudiger took his place in defence.

The second goal came from Modric in his 100th Champions League game for Real Madrid. He did it with the captain's armband and with the outside of his right leg. A part of his body that he dominates at the same level as his right hand. 

The wind was in Real Madrid's favour, culminating in a goal that was more necessary for the player than for the team. Carvajal played a ball to Hazard that the Belgian sent into the back of the net and proved his coach right that this year was going to be important for him.

Rodrygo and Asensio both got minutes. The Mallorcan had one foot out of the Bernabeu, but he stayed and Ancelotti does not intend to waste a player who has a lot of football in a complicated season for everyone.

Real Madrid began their conquest of the 15th by scoring in Glasgow with a "recital" as the Italian coach said after the game. It sent a message to Europe. City overcame Sevilla (0-4) and PSG beat Juventus (2-1), both teams with a vertical and direct football unbefitting of this stage of the season.

Only the World Cup in Qatar can break Real Madrid's streak. Although they won't be releasing many internationals, almost two months off with the season underway doesn't suit anyone.