Callum McGregor doesn’t hold back with ’embarrassing’ assessment of 6-0 Celtic defeat

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Callum McGregor labelled last night’s 6-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid as ’embarrassing’.

The Celtic captain believes that his teammates must adapt quickly following such a significant defeat.

Celtic suffered their largest defeat in the Champions League since 2017, when the Hoops lost 7-1 at the Parc des Princes against Paris Saint-Germain.

Brendan Rodgers’ side appeared to be holding their own at 1-0 despite an early red card for Daizen Maeda. However, an Alvaro Morata strike just before halftime proved to be a killer blow for the Bhoys.

With 45 minutes left to play with only ten men, Celtic fell apart in the second half, conceding four goals on a disappointing night. The Hoops went into the game optimistic after a 2-2 draw against the Spanish at Celtic Park two weeks ago, but the result was a far cry from the impressive performance which saw Kyogo Furhashi and Luis Palma get on the scoresheet.

Last night was yet another low for Celtic in the Champions League, and the Scottish champions look like again missing out knockout stage qualification, having not reached the last 16 since 2012/13.

In 10 years the gap between elite opposition and the Bhoys has increased greatly. Despite some impressive performances this season, Rodgers’ side have not secured a victory.

McGregor told TNT Sports: “It was a very tough night for sure. It is embarrassing to lose six goals and we have to learn quick.

“That has to be a one off, we have now come to two away games and had men sent off. This level is difficult enough when it is 11 vs 11and that is not to point fingers at anyone because I think all three of the challenges have not had any malice in them.”

McGregor also emphasized the importance of learning from such a challenging experience against Atletico. He said: “We have to learn from that as this level is too difficult to play against teams with 10 men or nine men and you see the massive quality with their goals as they scored with almost every shot they hit.”

The Celtic captain reflected on the match and how Atletico managed to score six goals despite drawing 2-2 at Celtic Park only two weeks ago. He said: “I thought we started the game quite well and even when we lost the goal, I thought we were decent value and in the game.

“If we then get to half time at 1-0 then game probably feels a bit different for us but then we make the match so difficult for ourselves to be fair to them that was a clinic on how to play against 10 men.”

McGregor’s quotes highlight the high standards he expects from his teammates, even in the face of formidable opposition. Celtic faced a challenging situation last night, playing with 10 men for over 60 minutes against one of Europe’s top sides. However, the Hoops should have been more defensively resolute, as they conceded easy goals due to lapses in concentration.

Celtic fans may be frustrated with the result, but they won’t blame the team too much given the circumstances of Maeda’s sending-off and the quality of the opponent.

McGregor is correct in emphasising that last night should be considered an isolated incident this season, and the Hoops will encounter a different challenge on Sunday against Aberdeen at Celtic Park.