Explore Linda Caicedo’s standout performance as Real Madrid secures a decisive 4-0 win against Celtic in the Champions League. Match details and analysis await.
Introduction:
Real Madrid Women almost presented a very dominating performance as they went all the way to easy victory over Scottish champions Celtic, holding a score of 4-0 in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Brilliant moments were highlighted: a sublime strike from Scottish international Caroline Weir, an excellent team goal by Signe Bruun, and an excellent spot kick conversion by Linda Caicedo. With this victory, Real Madrid strengthens its position in the group stages and proves again why this team is a favorite in this competition.
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Caroline Weir’s Magic Strike
Weir’s sensational strike from outside the box left Kelsey Daugherty, Celtic’s goalkeeper no chance. What was in view really surprised everyone, for the midfielder with exceptional technical skills, vision, and expertise with her left foot, put the ball into the far top corner to take an early lead for Madrid.
Weir had said, ahead of the match, that there was a special motivation for this fixture, and she certainly delivered. The goal she scored wasn’t just important in giving Madrid the lead, but it was proof of her ability to impact the big games. Having come back from injury last month, Weir’s contribution was important in keeping Madrid’s momentum.
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Madrid’s Relentless First-Half Pressing
On a minute, Real Madrid dominated the game by keeping Celtic in their half. The pressing game was intense from the side of Madrid, leaving Celtic little room to breathe or launch its attacks. Under midfield maestros Lina Leupolz and Filippa Angeldal, Madrid saw to it that Celtic did not cross the halfway line in most parts of the first half.
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Too much for Celtic to cope with was Athenea del Castillo and Linda Caicedo up on the wings, and Caicedo was specially dangerous, always finding a gap on the left side of the box. She didn’t score in the first half, but the danger runs created many chances left Celtic scrambling.
Madrid’s sole concern during the first half was that they were not putting their lead into extra distance. With corners and shots from Olga Carmona and Weir, among others, the Celtic team managed to hold their position into halftime with just one goal against them.
Second Half – Madrid’s Attack Gains Momentum
In the second half, Real Madrid continued to pound Celtic relentlessly, sticking to their strategy of not letting the game drop at any moment and spreading energy to the flanks. By this stage, the home side had managed 11 corners, which underlines their superiority and makes it hard for the visitors, who could hardly keep pace with the events.
The nerves began to trickle in for Madrid, however, as they only led 1-0 despite having a controlling lead in proceedings. Celtic could launch a few dangerous counterattacks but a belief grew they could get that all important equalizer. However, Madrid’s defense, marshaled by the able Rocío Gálvez and Ivana Andrés, wouldn’t let the visitors have the clear opportunity they needed.
Signe Bruun doubles the lead
The second goal was a beautiful team move. Although Lina Leupolz had been a thorn throughout, she swung a beautiful crossfield pass to substitute Sofie Svava on the right wing. She hit a perfect cross into the box. Signe Bruun, another substitute, rose above the Celtic defense and headed the ball past Daugherty to double Madrid’s lead.
It was, however, a goal by substitute Bruun that gave Madrid the cushion and, in turn, proved crucial in sealing the game from the bench. Her header demonstrated her remarkable aerial ability since she didn’t miss the chance created by Svava.
Møller and Linda Caicedo sealed the victory
Celtic’s resolve finally cracked when they carelessly conceded possession in their own half. Caroline Møller seized on the error remorselessly, noting that Daugherty had wandered off her line and floated the ball serenely over the top of the goalkeeper for Madrid’s third. Møller’s finish was clinical and from there the chances of Celtic mounting a comeback began to disappear.
Moments later Linda Caicedo, who had been a nuisance to Celtic all game, won a penalty after some dazzling footwork in the box. Stepping up with complete confidence Caicedo placed the ball to her left. Daugherty got a hand to it but the ball slotted into the net to put Madrid convincingly 4-0 ahead.
Caicedo was sublime and her late goal justified the efforts she made on the left flank. She threatened to tear apart the Celtic defense, but more than that, she demonstrated composure when it mattered most.
Conclusion:
Coach Real Madrid had been stressing the strength they would like to have at home, and that was exactly what the team gave out on display. Their width was very well utilized as wingers Athenea, Caicedo, and Svava worked up well to stretch Celtic defenses and open up plenty of opportunities.
Leupolz and Angeldal coordinated things in midfield quite efficiently. It was Weir who took all the limelight with the perfectly timed strike. The win will keep the lead of Madrid sharp within the group stages, and they should really cement this one in their next matches.