Celtic did give Real Madrid a scare in the first half. Their captain, Callum McGregor, struck the post while the Scottish champions also missed two glorious chances. In the second half though, Los Blancos’ quality proved to be a bit too much for them as goals from Vinicius Junior, Luka Modric and Eden Hazard were enough to seal a 3-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
It was a winning start to the Champions League campaign, in a difficult stadium, just what Real Madrid would have been looking for. But it was not all great news for the defending champions though.
Karim Benzema ended up suffering an injury in the first half and was forced off the pitch, in what could be a massive worry for Los Blancos.
As reported by Marca, the alarm bells are ringing at Real Madrid after Benzema was forced off the pitch against Celtic with a knee injury and headed straight for the dressing room after 30 minutes.
Real Madrid suffer huge blow despite managing to beat Celtic
Benzema has not had a great start to the campaign in the first place and it had appeared that he was struggling to find his rhythm in most of the games. And now, this injury will come as another blow.
The fact of the matter is that Real Madrid have no real back up option to Benzema at this point of time. Mariano Diaz has not done much since rejoining the club, which is the reason why Hazard was brought in as the Frenchman’s replacement.
Hazard is not an out and out striker though and there are question marks about his own fitness, and how long he will stay fit if he plays consistent first-team football.
For Real Madrid’s season, it is important that Benzema does not pick up any long-term injury. Otherwise, they will be in big trouble.