The Spaniard was one of the stars of the show as Real Madrid illustrated their strength in depth up front by routing Celtic 5-1 at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid cruised past Celtic in a 5-1 thrashing to seal top spot in Champions League Group F.
A bright start in the opening minutes for Celtic was swiftly quashed when Moritz Jenz gave away a penalty for handball after five minutes, allowing Luka Modric to fire Real in front.
It was 2-0 after 21 minutes when Celtic were again punished for a handball inside the box, this time Matthew O'Riley having handled the ball and Rodrygo scoring from the spot.
Celtic didn't lie down despite the circumstances and were given a chance to get themselves back into the game after half an hour when the referee pointed to the spot for a third time.
Josip Juranovic's effort was batted away by Thibaut Courtois a sequence of events that summarised Celtic's evening and overall Champions League campaign rather well.
And as Celtic began to fade, Real upped the ante once again, with Vinicius Junior tapping in a low cross at the front post for 4-0. Ancelotti then ushered in the changes as The Bhoys fell away, with Federico Valverde stealing the show with a magnificent strike for 5-0.
Jota ensured visiting fans left with at least one positive, wrapping an inch-perfect free-kick into the top corner as a late consolation.
After a blip against RB Leipzig last week, this was the perfect response from the defending champions. Don't take them lightly; they've got all the quality and football heritage you could ever need to cruise towards another Champions League crown.
GettyThe Winners
Luka Modric:
The man is the definition of 'ageing like a fine wine', isn't he? Modric never, ever looks stretched in possession, nor does he ever look leggy or uncomfortable. Everything he does, he does with grace and extreme ease. Playing against him must be beautiful and nightmarish in equal proportions. One of the greatest of all time. It's as simple as that.
Marco Asensio:
Redemption season for the Spaniard is well and truly on. After bursting onto the scene in his youth, the water became somewhat murky for Asensio at Real and his exit has been discussed with immense regularity. He's been determined to force his way back into the side in Madrid, though, and proved his quality again here.
Replacing Benzema in the attacking trident is no easy task, and while he doesn't offer anywhere near the same quality and profile as the Frenchman, he brings his own abilities to the table. Taking his chance with a concentrated performance, he deserved a goal. And what a delightful strike it was.
Federico Valverde:
There was a time when Valverde was very much a diamond in the rough. All action, a big bundle of energy that admittedly needed serious refining. And how that refinement is showing now.
Granted, playing within one of the greatest midfield rosters ever certainly helps, but the Uruguayan deserves serious credit for how he's nailed down the vacant spot left behind by Casemiro. He's added a maturity to his game as well as the obvious flair and technical finesse. Superb.
AdvertisementGettyThe Losers
Celtic's penalty luck:
The Bhoys and spot-kicks. Like oil and water. While the second penalty they conceded here was perhaps a little harsh, O'Riley's hand was in an outstretched position and in today's game, you can't dispute it. 'Seen them given' is the term that comes to mind.
But as if their luck couldn't get any worse, they couldn't find the back of the net from a spot-kick of their own, just as they were handed a way back into the game on a silver platter.
The handball rule:
Another week, another bout of confusion over handball. We don't blame you if you've given up in trying to understand it, at this point.
Let's assess. The first penalty awarded against Jenz is understandable: the arm is extended, it's a little clumsy and the shot – albeit a poor one – is on target. Probably has to be given.
But the decision against O'Riley? Well, contentious to say the least. The 21-year-old's arm is tucked close to his body, raised for balance, and he's turning it away from the ball. There is simply nowhere else for it to go with the way he was moving. The shot that struck it was also heading off target.
And to put the icing on the cake – not that the lawmakers deserve one – it was O'Riley who was booked and not Jenz. Make it make sense.
Eden Hazard:
Again, not involved and again, not missed. Hazard to Real Madrid looks like the worst transfer of all time more and more with each passing week.
Before we start, Celtic were poor and have been poor in Europe. This was a game Real should've dominated. But that still doesn't bode well for Hazard, who cannot stay fit or even impact games on the occasion that he is.
Instead, Los Blancos' front line has already moved on from him, prioritising youth and the comeback story of Asensio. What a bleak few years for the Belgian.
Real Madrid ratings: Defence
Thibaut Courtois (6/10): Stood tall when called into action. Would've been very easy to switch off and allow the visitors a cheap goal, but Courtois wasn't having that. Got a hand to Jota's free-kick, but the Celtic man deserves the credit.
Dani Carvajal (7/10): A performance which showed his experience. Well-positioned and gave Celtic very little to work with.
Eder Militao (8/10): Never looked too troubled, but did his job. Made important blocks, provided energy and kept things calm.
David Alaba (7/10): Always comfortable in possession and helped out Mendy where he could.
Ferland Mendy (5/10): Any joy that Celtic did get in possession seemed to come down the left flank. Mendy was often outnumbered, but also didn't enjoy a composed game. Can have no complaints about the penalty he gave away; nowhere near the ball.
GettyMidfield
Toni Kroos (6/10): Occupied the deepest role of the midfield three, often dropping between the centre backs to keep control of proceedings.
Luka Modric (8/10): This man is timeless. Weight of pass, range of pass, positioning, technical ability – he ticks all of the boxes. An early goal set the tone for a joyous performance.
Federico Valverde (8/10): While the two experienced heads keep things ticking, Valverde provides the energy. But on top of that, he now also provides a consistent quality on the ball, playing swift passes and bursting beyond the lines of play. Capped it off with a thunderous strike.