Thu Oct 17 16:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Celtic Face Real Madrid in Champions League Clash

**GLASGOW, Scotland -** Celtic FC will face Real Madrid in their second Women’s Champions League group stage match on Thursday, with both sides looking to bounce back from opening defeats. Celtic were narrowly defeated by Twente, while Real Madrid lost to Chelsea.

Celtic manager Elena Sadiku has made five changes to her starting lineup, with Amy Gallacher and Lucy Ashworth-Clifford returning. Sadiku stressed the importance of confidence and bravery against Real Madrid, urging her players to play with the same intensity as they do domestically.

Scotland international Caroline Weir, who recently returned from an ACL injury, will be a key player for Real Madrid. Weir, who has been recalled to the Scotland national team, could potentially face her international teammate, Celtic attacker Amy Gallacher.

“Personally, I looked up to Caroline Weir when I was young,” said Gallacher. “So, to play against her playing for Real Madrid, it’s a bit crazy. It’s just something I’m looking forward to.”

Sadiku acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed her confidence in her team’s ability to compete. “We know how fast it can go and that’s something we need to take back home,” she said. “If we can manage that intensity and do the same domestically, we know that we’re going to get even better and more dominant.”

The match will be played at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid.

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