Celtic’s Redemption Mission
Celtic entered matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League with a heavy burden on their shoulders. Just three weeks ago, they suffered a brutal 7-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund, leaving many to question Brendan Rodgers’ tactical approach in Europe. With a point to prove, the Hoops faced a tough test away to Atalanta, last season’s Europa League champions, in front of a 34,000-strong crowd at the Gewiss Stadium.
Rodgers Under the Microscope
In the wake of the Dortmund disaster, Rodgers found himself at the centre of criticism for deploying a high-intensity attacking game, often deemed too adventurous for such challenging away fixtures. Pundits and fans alike questioned whether he could adapt to the demands of the European stage, calling for a more pragmatic approach—one focused on being tough to beat, especially on the road.
Celtic Fans in Full Voice
Despite the daunting task ahead, Celtic’s loyal support never wavered. Around 2,000 fans made the trip to Bergamo, determined to back their team in what promised to be a fierce contest. Positioned comfortably in the play-off places before kick-off, the Scottish champions knew a result here could be crucial.
The Tactical Battle: Cautious Beginnings
The match had all the makings of a tense, tactical affair. Atalanta, fresh off a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk and a gritty 0-0 draw with Arsenal, came into the tie as Serie A’s top scorers this season. Celtic, meanwhile, had responded to their shaky start with a resounding 5-1 win over Bratislava but were still smarting from their German mauling.
Rodgers stuck with his tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation. Reo Hatate made his 100th appearance for the Hoops, while the much-scrutinised pairing of Trusty and Scales kept their places at the back, despite some uncertainty in recent performances. Valle was called upon to replace the absent Taylor, while midfield dynamo McGregor, Engels, and the centurion Hatate took control in the middle. Up front, Kuhn, Idah, and Maeda led the line, tasked with unsettling Atalanta’s defence.
Atalanta’s Attack Stifled
Atalanta, fielding a 3-4-1-2, relied on the dynamic Davide Zappacosta and the solid presence of De Roon in midfield. Playmaker Mario Pasalic was one to watch, with Ademola Lookman—once of Charlton and Everton—leading the line for the Italian side.
The game started cautiously, with Celtic pinned back as Atalanta controlled the early possession. The Nerazzurri had several threatening moments, including a glancing header that rattled Schmeichel’s crossbar, but they struggled to break through a well-organised Celtic defence. Johnston’s booking within the first 10 minutes was one of the few notable incidents for the visitors in the opening half.
A Tale of Two Halves
As the half-time whistle blew, Atalanta may have been wondering how they hadn’t taken the lead. Celtic, though, were growing into the match, buoyed by a solid defensive display that kept the Italians at bay. Rodgers’ men looked re-energised as the second half got underway.
The pattern of play remained similar in the second 45, with Atalanta continuing to push for a breakthrough. Despite their dominance in possession, their lack of cutting edge in the final third proved costly. Celtic’s low block was impenetrable, with Trusty and Scales putting in much-improved performances, while Schmeichel stood firm in goal.
Pragmatism Pays Off
By full-time, the stats painted a clear picture of Atalanta’s frustration—22 shots on goal and nothing to show for it. Their wastefulness in front of goal broke a European record for the most shots without scoring. Celtic, on the other hand, will see this as a point gained rather than two lost. A disciplined, backs-to-the-wall performance, miles away from the attacking chaos in Dortmund, showed a different side to Rodgers’ team.
A New Celtic Approach?
Pragmatic and hard to beat—words not often associated with Brendan Rodgers’ sides—but tonight, that was exactly what Celtic needed. With a crucial point in hand, they now sit in 20th place in the play-off race, just three spots behind Atalanta. Could this be a turning point in Celtic’s European journey? Time will tell.
What’s Next?
Next up for Celtic are two home fixtures in Europe: a fiery clash against Leipzig on Bonfire Night, followed by a tie with Club Brugge on the 27th. With momentum growing and key players stepping up, Celtic will hope to build on this gritty performance and continue their push for knockout stage football.