World media reacts to Celtic after 'scary' team give Real Madrid a fright as atmosphere gets top billing

There was a real sense that Celtic were truly back in the big time against Real Madrid on Tuesday night

Forget the Europa League and Conference League. The Champions League has always been where they and rivals Rangers want to be, and there was no greater illustration of being amongst the big boys than the reigning European champions coming to town.

It was the draw everyone wanted. Callum McGregor said as much before the group stage was drawn and the campaign opener had all the glitz and glamour of a blockbuster premiere. The only thing missing was a result.

And it looked like Celtic might get one with the eyes of the world on them. Ange Postecoglou vowed to stick to his principles against the cream of the continent and for 45 minutes, Celtic went toe-to-toe with the Spanish and European champions. The Premiership title holders created the clearer chances before the break, and were inches from a first half lead when captain McGregor saw his strike come back off the inside of the post.

Real knew they were in a game as they sat in the away dressing room at the break. And they responded by moving through the gears following the restart, scoring three unanswered goals as they showed why they lifted this trophy last season.

It’s not often either half of the Old Firm will be afforded the type of reception Celtic got from their fans after full-time last night. When winning is everything, it spoke volumes that Postecoglou and his men were given a standing ovation despite the full-time score. The fans recognised a good display against a side that were simply good enough to rise above what the Hoops had to offer in the end.

The eyes of the world and its media were on Celtic Park and Record Sport took a look at what