European Champions Real Madrid started their title defence on match day 1 against Scottish heavyweights Celtic.
The two clubs, alongside Shakhtar Donetsk and RB Leipzig, make up Group F, which Real Madrid are expected to waltz through.
Of course, things are never that simple, something the Galacticos learnt during their trip to Glasgow.
2022 marks the first occasion since 2017/18 that Celtic have made it to Europe’s premier club competition.
Welcoming European royalty in the Merengues added further prestige to their first UCL outing this season, and as usual, Celtic Park was up for it.
As the players stepped onto the pitch, they were met with deafening noise from a sea of green supporters.
The decibel levels were through the roof, even the kickoff itself led to a loud roar.
Home crowds are usually labelled as the ’12th man’, and considering the manner in which Ange Postecoglou’s side began proceedings, it really seemed as if Celtic had an on-field advantage.
Cheered on by clamorous Celts, the home side pressed hard and effectively had Real Madrid on the ropes during the first half.
They even came close to grabbing the opener with Callum McGregor hitting the post.
Unfortunately, the Hoops failed to strike while the iron was hot, and ended up conceding thrice in the second half.
When the chins of those in green began to lower, Celtic Park cheered for them even harder, a touch of class from the home support.
The scenes ended up leaving a long-lasting impression on a man who has seen it all, Real Madrid veteran Toni Kroos.
Despite being adversaries on the night, the German simply couldn’t help but appreciate the atmosphere at Celtic.
This came to light through his podcast ‘Einfach Mal Luppen’, on which the 32-year-old regularly states his honest and unfiltered opinions.
Speaking on Celtic Park, the World Cup winner said, “I was being asked several times which (away) stadium is my favourite. And there is a new number 1, I can tell you! Celtic Park.”
“It has been just crazy! We came out and the atmosphere was good. But then the CL anthem came up and I thought the stadium will crash down.”
“And then they did it again [when they did the huddle]. When we lined up for the team picture I told David Alaba that it feels like we are already 0-2 down. Just insane!”
He added more on the resilience of the home support, “The first 20 mins they pressed incredibly on us and had chances. The fans pushed them even more.”
“The fans kept going till the end, even when we scored the 3rd, they still were pushing the team. And then they made changes near the end and the whole stadium got off their feet.”
The support wasn’t just limited to the home side, as Kroos revealed just how classy Celtic supporters were, “The real special thing was, not only did they push their team, but also respect us, there was no hate.
“I am used to it a lot over all those years. But this really impressed me heavily. A great experience!”
Kroos has played in some of the most intense atmospheres possible, as a Merengue at Camp Nou, as a Bavarian at the Signal Iduna Park, and at the Maracana with the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
The fact that an away experience managed to move him counts for a lot, and goes on to show that Celtic fans are a different breed.
