CALLUM MCGREGOR insists the performance against Real Madrid proves Celtic belong in the Champions League despite the scoreline.

The Celtic captain was one of a number of Celtic players close to opening the scoring in a dominant first period for the hosts before Real’s quality shone through in the second-half.

And despite the disappointment to go down to a 3-0 loss, McGregor is certain the performance shows what Celtic are capable of in Europe’s elite competition.

Speaking on BT Sport, McGregor explained: “It was really enjoyable.

“Ultimately, we’re really disappointed to lose three goals at home but I think there was enough in the game to show that we definitely belong at this level.

“We took the game to Madrid for large parts of it. A little 10 or 15 minute spell we just lost concentration and you can see that’s why they’re the holders, they’ve got so much quality on the counter attack.

“We knew that and tried to limit that as much as we could but we felt at that point in the game we were on top and maybe were just a little bit naïve in terms of sticking to what we were doing.

“It was a great showing from the lads.”

McGregor’s first-half effort smashed the inside of the post as Celtic pressed for an opener and he admits he was certain it was in – but conceded the fine margins make all the difference at an elite level.

“I don’t know how it stayed out,” said the Celtic captain. “It was a good strike, big Giako (Giakoumakis) does well to hold it up and you just think when it clips the inside of the post it’s going in, but it wasn’t to be.

“We created some big chances and that’s probably the difference at this level, they get one clear cut chance and they take it.

“We probably had three or four good opportunities but we’ll learn from that and the boys can be proud of themselves in terms of the level of performance.”