A re-cap on last night’s Champions League match between Atalanta and Celtic at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo which ended goalless after a superb defensive performance from the visitors…
Full credit to Celtic, who absorb lengthy spells of intense Atalanta pressure to earn their first away point of the campaign. Celtic goalkeeper Schmeichel saw Pašalić’s header thump the underside of his crossbar before making an outstanding save to stop Retegui from nodding in, while Celtic went close when Alex Valle’s strike was tipped behind by Marco Carnesecchi.
La Dea, too, have plenty to take pride in: this is their fifth clean sheet in six European matches, and they are yet to concede in this season’s competition.
A wonderful defensive performance
So a wonderful defensive performance allows Celtic to return from Bergamo with a potentially precious point after Atalanta attacked for most of the match. The Scottish Champions successfully limited the Europa Leaguer holders to few big chances despite defending very deep for most of the game, requiring luck only when Pašalić hit the bar with a header. Brendan Rodgers asked the Scottish media in his post match media conference if that was pragmatic enough for them?
Atalanta’s Éderson was named Player of the Match. UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel said: “Man-marking all over the pitch is not easy, and his understanding of the game, physical quality and ability to read situations stood out, as well as his intelligence in attack and defence.”
Both goalkeepers gave their thoughts on the match
Both goalkeepers spoke after the match which leave Atalanta in 17th spot from 36 as the only team with five points (one win and two draws), while Celtic are one of five teams on four points with Celtic in 20th spot with just one goal separating Brendan Rodgers and his side from PSG and Stuttgart.
Crucially Celtic have now played two toughest three toughest away matches with the final one on match-day eight at Villa Park, where both teams are hopeful of having secured qualification by that stage.
Marco Carnesecchi, the Atalanta goalkeeper and a quieter night than Kasper Schmeichel at the opposite end of the pitch playing for Celtic. Carnesecchi outlined his thoughts on the goalless draw with Celtic.
“It was a match in which we attacked a lot, creating several chances, but without managing to score. The risk of suffering a defeat in games like this is real, but we at least managed to avoid that. I only remember one Arsenal chance from a set piece in the three games we played in the UEFA Champions League this season. This shows our defensive solidity and our physical condition,” Marco Carnesecchi said.
“My clean sheet? I don’t value a goalkeeper on clean sheets”
“I think Atalanta are the highest scoring team at home in Europe, at least in Italy I think. So, to come here and get a point is a good point. We created some chances too, but it’s always going to be difficult going away from home in Europe against a system like Atalanta’s that’s so aggressive. My clean sheet? I don’t value a goalkeeper on clean sheets but obviously I’m happy we did not concede tonight.”
Kasper Schmeichel, the Celtic goalkeeper who had a fine match against Atalanta also spoke after Celtic secured a valuable point on the road. “It was a tough game, we knew it was going to be a tough game coming here. We had to defend for our lives, we did that and I’m very proud of the boys. I thought it was an incredible defensive performance,” the Great Dane said.
“I’m very happy with four points in three games”
Brendan Rodgers, Celtic manager praised both teams in his post match comments. “We played against an exceptional team, one of the best in the Italian league, with a very strong attack. But we managed to keep a clean sheet, and this shows the courage and audacity of my team. So we are satisfied with this point,” he said.
“We were fantastic, focused. I’m very happy with four points in three games. We learned our lesson in Dortmund and tonight, away from home, we finished with a clean sheet and have the same haul as last year. There are five matches left and we want to earn more points between now and January. This is a boost of confidence for our players.”
The Celtic boss added. “In the first half Atalanta had more scoring opportunities than in the second half. As the minutes went by we defended better and managed to be cleaner when we had the ball.”
“We have to accept this draw, but it’s a bit frustrating”
Mario Pašalić, Atalanta midfielder also gave his post match assessment. “We had various opportunities to score. Unfortunately we did not manage to put the ball in. We have to accept this draw, but it’s a bit frustrating.
“The positive aspect is that for the third consecutive match we did not concede a goal. This is a good starting point. If we had scored, however, the game would have changed completely. Maybe we should have been more clear and precise in attack. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t want to go in. It was one of those nights,” he admitted.
“In the first half we created a lot, but without being able to score. Perhaps in the second half we entered the pitch a little nervous, looking for a goal at all costs. In these situations we risk losing clarity. We have to work to improve our coolness in front of goal.”
“It was one of those matches”
Gian Piero Gasperini, the highly respected Atalanta coach reckoned it was just one of those matches when the ball refused to go into the net. “It was one of those matches where, despite all the work, the ball just didn’t want to go in. We dominated the game, created many opportunities, but we lacked clarity and perhaps even a bit of luck.
“We had clear opportunities in the first half, but unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise on them. When you don’t unlock a match like that, everything becomes more complicated.
“Maybe we entered the second half with a bit of nervousness. When you know you had chances in the first half and didn’t take them, there can be a temptation to force things. This made us less lucid, and they closed themselves off more and more. Celtic defended very well, I have never seen them defending so deep.
“I replaced Retegui because I needed new strength, even if he played well. Retegui, Lookman and De Ketelaere are fundamental for us, but in a match like this we needed to do something different. When all our attackers will be at their best, we will be a more complete team.”
So a frustrating night for Atalanta and a significant evening for Celtic
So a frustrating night for Atalanta and a hugely significant evening for a Celtic Team than is now able to defend away from home in the Champions League. If Celtic Park can become a fortress as it once was in this competition, then Brendan Rodgers could have the makings of a team that is going to be competitive at Champions League level on a regular basis.
Sandman’s Definitive Rating on The Celtic Star has much more that the Celtic player ratings and this is a highly recommend read.
READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic at Atlantas
Exciting times ahead for the Celtic support, here is the table as things stand after three rounds of matches….
