Once Celtic poked the bear they were always heading for a maúling in Madrid

Rodgers' men need to grim and bear it as the grizzly veterans dismantle sad Hoops

THERE’S a statue in the Puerto Del Sol in the heart of Madrid that stands out from the million of others in the city. 

It depicts a large bear picking strawberries off a tree.

Apparently it comes from Madrid’s coat of arms, dating back to King Alfonso VIII in the 1200s when he claimed the trees for the city and let the church take ownership of the animals.

It’s an image that is also on the Atletico Madrid badge.

And it seemed pretty apt for Celtic last night.

Turns out giving the La Liga big guns a game at Parkhead a few weeks ago was just poking the bear.

And unlike the one in the city, this lot don’t resemble cuddly, furry friends.

They came out growling – and Celts got absolutely mauled.

The VAR Boo-Boo in the first half didn’t help but this was another absolute nightmare Champions League night for Celtic and Brendan Rodgers to add to the collection.

It’s getting totally unbearable. This was another savage experience that leaves Hoops fans wondering if this competition is even worth the hassle. It might be better to take the dosh and just hibernate until it’s all over.

The early deflected goal, the debatable red card and the killer second on the stroke of half-time and then the collapse.

Celtic’s away games in this tournament have become painfully predictable and while they have suffered some brutal breaks, they can’t blame luck all the time.

Keeping 11 men on the pitch is a bear necessity in this competition – and there’s worry and strife if you don’t. Especially against Atletico Madrid.