Champions League: Celtic draws level with Atalanta 0-0.
This week sees no necessity for harsh criticism. Brendan Rodgers, during his pre-match press duties in the north of Italy, explained that they frequently receive strong criticism symbolised by a significant hit after facing repeated trouble in European games. He was specifically chastened by the 7-1 loss against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the month.
However, Celtic’s most recent performance exhibited strong resilience. The team managed to stave off Atalanta impressively, with Irish international Liam Scales being a key player in the defence. The Scottish champions were rewarded for their endeavours with a scoreless draw. The team, thoroughly organised and physically strong, held out for the entire 94 minutes. Atalanta, predictably, held the upper hand in ball possession. Surprisingly though, they did not manage to create the anticipated pressure on the Celtic goal. With not a single idea left by the game’s end, Atalanta witnessed Celtic demonstrate that their humiliating defeat by Dortmund might not affect their overall Champions League journey.
Following their crushing defeat at Dortmund, the fact that Celtic had kickstarted their Champions League campaign with a significant victory was somewhat forgotten. This triumph against Slovan Bratislava coupled with the fact that Club Brugge and Young Boys are due to visit Glasgow suggests that Rodgers’ squad stands a good chance of progressing to the playoff round.
The emphasis revolving around this tie was less about the points, and more about Celtic’s capacity to demonstrate improvement since the distressing night in Germany. As reigning Europa League champions, they would inevitably pose quite a challenge. Despite wavering against Aberdeen in a 2-2 draw last Saturday, surrendering a 2-0 lead, the Italians had every reason to be confident.
Despite Atalanta’s lack of efficacy in the initial phase of the game, Celtic’s Reo Hatate surrendered possession with ease within the first 20 seconds. This was, seemingly, a sign of problems ahead. However, the guest team displayed commendable discipline overall. Celtic showcased their focus when needed and were noticeably threatening on counterattacks; a better shot from Nicolas Kühn during a charge towards the goals in the 10th minute could have improved their position. Additionally, Marco Carnesecchi, Atalanta’s goalkeeper, was challenged by a shot from Arne Engels, the Belgian, that was subsequently fended off.
In spite of Atalanta’s initial territorial control, they failed to capitalise. Mario Pasalic had a promising chance to score but his shot was stopped directly by Kasper Schmeichel. A phenomenal block by Alistair Johnston averted a goal from Ademola Lookman just a minute before half time, and Schmeichel responded to a header by Mateo Retegui. These events summed up the first-half opportunities for Atalanta. Despite trailing 5-1 at the end of the first half in Dortmund, Celtic felt like moral victors.
Five minutes into the second half, Álex Valle almost obtained an unexpected first goal for Celtic. However, his deflected shot sailed just over the crossbar, leaving Carnesecchi in a tizzy. Isak Hien’s missed header and Marten de Roon’s shot saved by Schmeichel were attempts by Atalanta to quell the growing discontent amongst their fans.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s decision to substitute Retegui, Serie A’s leading goal scorer, slightly before the 60th-minute mark caused surprise. Brendan Rodgers countered with a substitution of his own, bringing on Kyogo Furuhashi for Adam Idah. Idah, in his maiden Champions League start, had been on the outskirts of the action for 68 minutes, something he could reasonably deny responsibility for.
The growing frustration of Gasperini was evident as Davide Zappacosta attempted a solo effort, only to find Schmeichel’s side netting, ignoring his teammates’ call for a pass. In the last 20 minutes, Celtic played enduringly, having already expended significant energy on defence. Rodgers opted for fresh legs, substitifying Engels and Daizen Maeda. Valle then found Furuhashi with an exceptional deep pass, however, the Japanese forward failed to land his lob over Atalanta’s goalkeeper correctly.
Hien’s shot soared above Schmeichel’s bar as the game entered extra time. It was evident to Celtic they had secured their point. The jubilant response from those in green and white indicated that the events that had unfolded here signified much more than just that. – Guardian