EUROPA LEAGUE GROUP I:NEIL LENNON admitted that this game represented a "big jump in quality" for his Celtic side but for long periods at least it did not appear such a giant leap.
In the end, Atletico Madrid, who spent more on transfers than anyone else in Spain this summer, were just too strong but that was to be expected.
Celtic had not won in 15 competitive games in Spain and it is 24 years since a Scottish team won here. A team whose entry to a competition in which they rank 102nd over the last two years was via the back door could have been forgiven for having an even greater sense of foreboding. Within three minutes they were one down.
Yet there will be satisfaction that Celtic improved as the game progressed, even though a second goal with 20 minutes to go ended their chances just as Lennon’s team looked like they may be able to do more than simply resist.
Radamel Falcao started the 2011-12 Europa League the same way he finished off the 2010-11 competition – rising to head the ball into the net. Last season’s top scorer, whose total of 18 goals included one in qualification and the winner against Braga in the final in Dublin, took just two minutes to find the space between Joe Ledley and Glenn Loovens and guide his header into the net.
Yet while Atletico enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession Celtic were growing. When Ki was brought down by Antonio Lopez, Charles Mulgrew’s free-kick swung wide.
Atletico did, though, find another way through when the other new signings making up their attacking trio combined. Assisted by Antonio Lopez, Arda Turan escaped down the left, sprinted into the area and pulled the ball back. Diego slotted in the second of the night.
ATLETICO MADRID: Courtois, Perea, Godin, Miranda, Antonio Lopez, Turan, Mario Suarez, Diego (Tiago 84), Gabi (Adrian 70), Koke (Reyes 56), Falcao. Subs Not Used: Sergio Asenjo, Salvio, Pizzi,Dominguez. Booked: Gabi,Mario Suarez.
CELTIC: Forster, Mark Wilson (Matthews 80), Kelvin Wilson, Loovens, Mulgrew, Kayal, Ki, Ledley (Bangura 78), Hooper, Forrest (Commons 83), Samaras. Subs Not Used: Zaluska, George, Filip Twardzik, Wanyama. Booked: Kayal,Loovens.
Referee: Peter Rasmussen (Denmark).
