Real Madrid began their Champions League trophy defence with a 3-0 win at Celtic, as their midfield dominated but Karim Benzema limped off hurt.
For anyone waiting to see the declines of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, grab a chair. It's still going to be a while.
At 36 and 32 years old, respectively, the Real Madrid midfielders have been crucial to a perfect start to the 2022-23 season. They were great again on Tuesday night against Celtic. They look like they're going to be great forever.
Carlo Ancelotti's team used second-half goals from Vinicius Junior, Modric and substitute Eden Hazard to earn three points, with Kroos pulling the strings throughout.
Still, Celtic put in a respectable shift, and Callum McGregor smashed a powerful first-half strike off the post.
Real Madrid lost striker Karim Benzema to injury in the opening half hour, while centre-back Eder Militao was forced off at half-time. Ancelotti said Benzema's injury was "nothing worrying" – though the status of both players will be closely monitored.
GettyThe Winners
Winner: Luka Modric
The Croatian made his 100th Champions League appearance against Celtic and made it a night to remember with a fine performance and a goal to cap it all off.
Modric celebrates his 37th birthday on Friday but still shows few signs of slowing down. His composure and ability on the ball were crucial to the win, particularly in the second half as Real Madrid took control.
The midfielder, who took over the armband from Benzema, also added another goal to his collection with an outside of the boot effort that flew past Joe Hart in the Celtic goal.
Winner: Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid were finding it tough going at Celtic Park until Vinicius broke the deadlock, calmly stroking home an excellent ball in from Fede Valverde for the opener.
The Brazilian has now scored in four consecutive games for the first time in his Real Madrid career and looks unstoppable on current form.
Celtic certainly had no answer to the Brazilian and Real Madrid will need him to keep scoring, particularly if Benzema is out for any length of time.
Winner: Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard's struggles have been well documented and he was on the bench once again at Celtic. However, an early injury to Benzema saw Carlo Ancelotti throw the Belgian into the fray.
The former Chelsea man made a mess of an early chance after being teed up by Modric and it looked like being another one of those days for the 31-year-old.
Yet Hazard kept on going and managed to get himself on the scoresheet late on with his first goal in Europe's top competition for 651 days.
AdvertisementGettyThe Losers
Loser: Karim Benzema
The France international only lasted 30 minutes before limping off with what looked like a knee injury. Benzema went straight down the tunnel and was replaced by Eden Hazard.
Real Madrid will of course be hoping it’s not a serious problem. Benzema scored 15 goals last season in the Champions League as Real Madrid lifted the title once again.
The striker has also netted three times in five appearances this season and is key to the Blancos' hopes of silverware this season.
Loser: Celtic's finishing
Celtic came flying out of the blocks in this game and could have made it a very uncomfortable night for the European champions with some better finishing.
Liel Abada had two good chances in the opening exchanges but was let down by his finishing and could not beat Thibaut Courtois in the Real Madrid goal.
McGregor did get the ball past Courtois with a fierce effort that smacked the post and flew to safety. The misses were to prove costly too as Real Madrid ended up coasting to victory.
Loser: Eder Militao
The Real Madrid defender was having a fine game until injury interrupted his evening and he following Benzema out of the action.
Militao failed to appear after half-time and was replaced by Antonio Rudiger. The German is a more than able deputy and was solid as a rock in the second half alongside David Alaba, however Militao would be missed after he excelled last season.
GettyReal Madrid Ratings: Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Coped with everything that was thrown with him in front of a passionate Celtic crowd. The only time he was beaten he had the woodwork to thank for helping preserve his clean sheet.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
A solid showing from Carvajal who had a busy first half up against Jota. Was strong in the challenge and popped up with the assist for Hazard's third goal.
Eder Militao (6/10):
Had his hands full as Celtic went for Real Madrid from the off and caused all sort of problems in the first half. Some heroic defending was needed at times but Militao stood firm until injury forced him off at the break.
David Alaba (7/10):
Was given a stern test at Celtic but looked a cut above throughout the 90 minutes.
Ferland Mendy (8/10):
Looked close to his best in a very strong showing at Celtic Park. Had his work cut out against Abada and Maeda but was excellent in possession.
Getty ImagesMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
A tidy performance from the youngster in midfield. Only lasted an hour before Ancelotti opted to freshen things up by bringing on Eduardo Camavinga.
Toni Kroos (8/10):
Named Man of the Match and was superb in possession all night long, particularly in the second half as Real Madrid outclassed Celtic. Took the free-kick from which Real Madrid ended up scoring their third of the night.
Luka Modrid (8/10):
Covered an incredible amount of ground in the first half and always looked the most likely to create something. Teed up Hazard for a good chance just before the break and grabbed Real Madrid's second to end Celtic's hopes.