Champions League round-up: Celtic routed as Man City and Leipzig progress

Diazen Maeda in action for Celtic against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Aviva Stadium, July 29th, 2023

Celtic's Daizen Maeda saw red for a lunge on Mario Hermoso. Credit: Brian F Smyth (ETPhotos)

Celtic bowed out of the Champions League with two games remaining as they slumped to a punishing 6-0 defeat away to Atlético Madrid.

Antoine Griezmann and Alvaro Morata both grabbed braces as Daizan Maeda’s first-half red card left Brendan Rodgers with a mammoth task at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Ireland defender Liam Scales endured a torrid time as Celtic faced 26 shots - 12 on target - and managed just one of their own over 90 minutes.

French striker Griezmann had given the home side an early lead with a snapshot from the edge of the area that evaded Joe Hart’s grasp.

Maeda was first shown a yellow card for an ill-advised lunge on Mario Hermoso midway through the first half but the Japanese winger could have no complaints when a VAR review upgraded it to a red.

Morata ensured Atlético went in 2-0 up as he slid home in injury time before the Spanish side let loose after the break.

Griezmann grabbed his second with an acrobatic effort and spectacular efforts from Samuel Lina and Morata put the game beyond doubt, Saul adding a sixth late on.

The result leaves Atlético top with eight points, while Ciro Immobile’s 200th Lazio goal saw the Italians leapfrog Feyenoord into second position.

Erling Haaland scored twice, either side of a Phil Foden effort, as Manchester City cruised into the knockout stages with a 3-0 win over Young Boys.

RB Leipzig also booked their spot in the last 16 with a 2-1 win over Crvena Zvezda thanks to goals from Xavi Simons and Lois Openda, though Benjamin Henrichs’ own goal set up a nervy finish for the Germans.



Newcastle United are rock bottom of Group F following a humbling 2-0 defeat away at Borussia Dortmund, Nicklas Füllkrug and Julian Brandt netting in either half.

They were overtaken by AC Milan after they fought back for a 2-1 win over PSG, Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud turning it around after Milan Škriniar opened the scoring.

And Shakhtar Donetsk blew Group H wide open as they stunned group leaders Barcelona with Danylo Sikan scoring the only goal of the game.

Portuguese defender Pepe became the oldest scorer in Champions League history - aged 40 and 254 days -  as his late header added to Evanilson’s opener sealed a 2-0 win for Porto over Royal Antwerp.