4 big Celtic vs Atletico Madrid ref calls as de Paul VAR escape halted by IFAB while penalty angle looms into focus

A first point of the campaign was hard earned for Celtic, but they might struggle to shake the feeling that it should have been three.

They started brilliantly with Kyogo giving them the lead after just three minutes. But this Atletico Madrid team are a side to be reckoned with and they were level after Antoine Griezmann saw his penalty saved, but enjoyed a big slice of luck when the rebound fell nicely for him and he was able to stick it home at the second attempt.

However, Brendan Rodgers’ men responded really well and retook the lead in style. Luis Palma stayed cool to control then fire a great strike in off the far post for 2-1 and there was the sense that a first victory was on its way. Until the second half started. Atleti were bang at it, presumably after a Diego Simeone rocket up their backsides at half-time, and Alvaro Morata’s really clever header brought a deserved leveller.

A tired Celtic did well to stay in the game though, and could have won it when Matt O’Riley squared his big chance rather than shooting. Rodrigo De Paul was shown a second yellow with nine minutes to go, but Atleti are masters of seeing it out, and killed the game well to ensure they left Glasgow with a point.

It was an eventful night for German ref Felix Zwayer. Record Sport looks at the big calls he had to make.

Molina went down under a challenge from Greg Taylor. At first glance it looked soft. And co-commentator John Hartson initially said on TNT Sports: "I think he has gone down a bit easy there."

However, he would walk it back and eventually back up the referee when seeing an alternative angle. He said: "Taylor has kicked his left foot. I think it is a penalty when you look at that (replay)."

Verdict: Correct decision

Rodrigo de Paul