Ewan Murray at Gewiss Stadium
Wed 23 Oct 2024 14:55 EDT
Last modified on Wed 23 Oct 2024 19:10 EDT
In a compelling display of resilience, Celtic celebrated a well-earned draw in northern Italy, marking a significant turnaround after a difficult outing earlier this month. Atalanta seemed to run out of steam long before the match concluded, a testament to Celtic’s strong response following their heavy defeat in Dortmund.
That night in Germany, Brendan Rodgers watched his team suffer a staggering 7-1 loss, a result that sent shockwaves through the club. The fallout was substantial, prompting many to question the team’s fortitude—everyone except Rodgers, that is. He characterized the aftermath as being “beaten over the head with a stick” after his squad faced off against last season’s finalists. However, this week, there was no need for such metaphors; instead, Rodgers delivered a powerful comeback through his team’s performance.
Celtic needed to demonstrate defensive solidity, resilience under pressure, and composure in possession, especially against the Europa League champions. And they did just that. Post-match, Rodgers shared a story of redemption, noting, “The players showed great courage. It is a really, really good point for us. We were defensively brilliant. I have never doubted the players and their mentality. We stood up and were counted. Tonight was a really big confidence boost.”
With four points secured from three group games—especially considering the caliber of two of their opponents—Celtic’s performance suddenly looks commendable. Rodgers couldn’t resist a subtle jab at his critics, quipping, “I am not sure whether that was pragmatic enough for some people.” This response was well-deserved after a hard-fought contest.
Statistics show Atalanta took 25 shots, prompting some to question the outcome. Yet, despite their aggressive approach, they struggled to convert opportunities, largely due to Celtic’s disciplined defense. Crosses often sailed past Atalanta forwards or were met with insufficient effort, a curious contrast given the offensive dynamism Atalanta displayed in Serie A earlier this season.
Liam Scales and Auston Trusty stood out in their defensive partnership for Celtic. Notably, there was little sense that Atalanta would clinch a late win, which is remarkable considering their offensive record. Atalanta had scored 18 goals in their first eight league matches, yet they were thwarted entirely by Celtic’s robust performance.
During the first half, Atalanta struggled to capitalize on their territorial advantage. They had a few close calls, with Mario Pasalic missing a one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel and Alistair Johnston delivering a crucial block moments before halftime. In comparison, Celtic’s morale was significantly boosted after enduring the heavy deficit in Dortmund just a fortnight earlier.
After half-time, Celtic almost snagged a surprising lead with a deflected shot from Alex Valle, narrowly missing the target. Atalanta pushed back, yet their efforts remained fruitless, and their frustration grew visibly. A surprising decision by Gasperini to substitute star striker Mateo Retegui further heightened the tension, as his team seemed desperate for a breakthrough.
In contrast, Rodgers made a tactical switch, bringing on Kyogo Furuhashi to add fresh energy. The Japanese forward’s movement posed immediate challenges for Atalanta’s defense.
With less than 20 minutes remaining, Celtic faced a test of mental strength. They capitalized on a golden opportunity created by Valle, only for Furuhashi to misfire a lob attempt. Ultimately, Celtic didn’t create any further chances, but they weren’t overly concerned, knowing their point was secured.
As stoppage time approached, a near-miss header from Hien confirmed their resolve. Celtic’s celebration post-match indicated that this draw meant far more than just a point. “We took a practical approach,” remarked Schmeichel, reflecting the team’s mindset.
Whatever one chooses to call it, the strategy was effective. Celtic can now aim for Champions League aspirations once again, and perhaps, in time, Rodgers will find pleasure in proving that the Dortmund match was merely an anomaly in this season’s campaign.
