Match Pictures | Matches: 2024 – 2025
Trivia
- KO: 17:45 UK time; European Cup; TNT Sports TV
- Champions League, Group Match 3
- Celtic sit now in 20th (out of 36) spot after three games on 4pts. Need to get into 9-24 to go into the interim play-off stages, whilst 25-36 out.
- CCV out injured. He only just came back in training. Taylor still out injured.
- Dortmund lost 5-2 to Real Madrid after being 2-0 up, conceding all goals in the second half! Dortmund scored 5 v Celtic in the first half in the last match.
- Atalanta supposedly headed into the match without six of their key players through injury.
- Atlanta won the Europa league last season, beating Liverpool & Bayer L along the way, and drew with Arsenal in their first CL match this season. A tough team to play anytime.
- Trusty has an immense game, and really turned heads, as did Scales.
- Former England defender Martin Keown praised Celtic for their performance at Atalanta and said it “was very reminiscent of the way Arsenal played” during his era. Not sure that’s a compliment as they were dubbed “boring boring Arsenal” but they were a mighty defensive unit!
- Alcohol restrictions in Bergamo! Always ways round it.
- Youth league: Francis Turley after 2-1 defeat to Atalanta in the UEFA Youth League: ‘Deserved more’.
- As per @scotlandscoeff1 – two wins from our next five matches will see us progress in the @ChampionsLeague .
- Annual celebratory Mass at St Mary’s in the Calton will return, on Wednesday, November 6 at 7pm, to commemorate the 137th anniversary of the club’s formation.
- Atalanta tonight became just the second team on record in the UEFA Champions League (2008-09 onwards) to have 20+ shots and 50+ touches in the opposition box and not score a goal, along with Paris Saint-Germain against Borussia Dortmund in last season’s semi-final second leg.
- Tonight’s goalless draw has ended a run of 85 consecutive games in major European matches without a 0-0 for Celtic, with their last 0-0 draw coming against Benfica back in September 2012 in a UEFA Champions League match.
- Celtic have kept a UEFA Champions League clean sheet for the first time since September 2017 in a 3-0 win over Anderlecht, ending a run of 18 games without one in which they shipped 51 goals.
- Mario Pasalic had six shots without scoring for Atalanta tonight, the joint most by an Atalanta player in a UEFA Champions League match without finding the net, along with Duván Zapata against FC Midtjylland in December 2020.
Summary
“It’s nothing to do with football, and if you do keep doing it then you show that you don’t really care. You don’t care for the team, the support and the club because the club are ultimately getting fined as well. If you do it, you are clearly showing you aren’t worried about your own club – you’re only worried about yourself.”
Brendan Rodgers a week earlier on Pyro displays…
“A pragmatic coach, it’s a different coach. I’m a different person,”
Brendan Rodgers prematch
“We can’t lose belief that we are a good side….We need to be together and resolute… We’re determined to put it right. The boys are feeling good, and we’ve arrived here ready.”
Callum McGregor prematch
“I’m not sure whether that was pragmatic enough for people tonight.. I don’t know!”
Brendan Rodgers says Celtic’s 0-0 draw away to Atalanta will give the players a lot of belief in the Champions League
Kasper Schmeichel: “We took a more pragmatic approach tonight. Fewer risks in the build up”
Jouranlist Graham Spiers @GrahamSpiers · 2h What a defensive performance from Celtic. A magnificent Champions League point claimed in Italy.
joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki:
Taking in that Celtic were missing our first choice centre half CCV & left-back Taylor, whilst fellow defenders Valle & Trusty were untested, and Schmeichel was a freebee discarded by his last club, then it’s incredible that Celtic did not conceded last night against one of the best performing teams this past year.
El Salto of KDS:
Great performance, no one could say we didn’t deserve a point
We hung on in the 1st half but the longer the 2nd wore on, the better we got
Kept a defined shape the whole game and when our two centre halves play like that it’s difficult to break us down
Minor quibble would be how easily we gave up the ball in midfield at times, but overall a great team performance
Two home games now, get 4 points from them we’re looking good
Henrikstan of KDS:
In the days leading up to tonight’s game, I had such little confidence that I’d have accepted a sacrificial 3-0 loss. I couldn’t be happier to be dead effing wrong.
Not only our first Champions League clean sheet since we beat Anderlecht in 2017, but I’d argue our best European away result since drawing at the Camp Nou (twice) back in 2004.
Before tonight our away record in this competition was P37 W2 D4 L31. Embarrassing defeats to the likes of Rosenborg, Aalborg and a 10-man Anderlecht. Utter thrashings by Barcelona twice, PSG, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. So to bounce back from a 7-1 annihilation in Dortmund, to hold the Europa League holders to a 0-0 draw is beyond impressive.
Trusty immense. Valle excellent. Schmeichel, Johnston and Scales very solid. McGregor and Kuhn did some good dirty work, even Palma played his part as a sub.
Sure we needed a bit of luck, as demonstrated by Atalanta becoming only the 2nd Champions League team since 2008/09 to have 20+ shots & 50+ touches in the opposition box without scoring. But how resolute our defence was, it meant Atalanta became more and more desperate as the game went on.
6 more points and we’re in the land of the top 24.
Inside The SPFL @AgentScotland · What a performance, ugly as hell, but the determination of warriors, Trusty & Scales were immense, as was Johnston, Valle, & Schmeichel, as well as Nicolas Kühn. That’s Celtic’s second ever clean sheet away from home in the Champions League, ironically enough both under Rodgers.
Liam Kelly @cfcliamk96 · 2h Outstanding result. Maybe we have finally done some of that much spoken about learning. Tonight should put to bed the claim that we can’t compete, might not always get the result but we can always make it competitive Kuhn was brilliant as were the centre backs
Hail Hail History @hailhailhistory · 2h A great night for Celtic. It’s the Bhoys’ third 0-0 draw in Italy – and arguably the most important because the others saw Celtic exit the tournament anyway. There was a maturity to this performance; not ultra defensive but also not pressing when not needed.
Etims: EVERY player involved, all 16 of them gave their absolute best BUT….Scales and Trusty. Outstanding. Before Dortmund game many/most of us thinking….we can take something tonight….pumped 7-1. Before Atalanta game many/most of us thinking….we are gonny get a doing tonight….draw 0-0. It’s a funny old game Saint! As for Brendan…after all the criticism following Dortmund pumping and most of it fully merited….get yir baws oot big time tonight and Lord it over every cunt with your greatness! Rode out luck a bit the first half but second half we grew in confidence as a defensive unit and they had very little clear chances. Outstanding team performance
Teams
Celtic:
Manager: Brendan Rodgers
Formation: 4 – 3 – 3
01 K. Schmeichel
11 Álex Valle
05 L. Scales
06 A. Trusty
02 A. Johnston 8′, Yellow Card at 8mins
41 R. Hatate, subbed for Paulo Bernardo at 68mins
42 C. McGregor (c), Captain
27 A. Engels, subbed for L. McCowan at 75mins
38 D. Maeda, subbed for L. Palma at 74mins
09 A. Idah, subbed for K. Furuhashi at 68mins
10 N. Kühn, subbed for J. Forrest at 81mins
Subs:
29 S. Bain
49 J. Forrest
08 K. Furuhashi
28 Paulo Bernardo
14 L. McCowan
17 M. Nawrocki
07 L. Palma
56 A. Ralston
12 V. Sinisalo
57 S. Welsh
13 Yang Hyun-Jun
Atalanta
Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Formation: 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
29 M. Carnesecchi
23 S. Kolašinac, subbed for M. Ruggeri at 78mins
04 I. Hien
19 B. Djimsiti
77 D. Zappacosta
13 Éderson
15 M. de Roon (c), Captain
16 R. Bellanova, subbed for L. Samardžić at 58mins
08 M. Pašalić, subbed for N. Zaniolo at 78mins
11 A. Lookman, subbed for J. Cuadrado at 69mins
32 M. Retegui, subbed for C. De Ketelaere at 59mins
Subs:
07 J. Cuadrado
17 C. De Ketelaere
49 T. Del Lungo
05 B. Godfrey
46 A. Manzoni
27 M. Palestra
31 F. Rossi
22 M. Ruggeri
24 L. Samardžić
48 V. Vlahović
10 N. Zaniolo
28 Rui Patrício
Referee: Irfan Peljto
Video Assistant Referee Sören Storks
Assistant Referee 1: Senad Ibrisimbegovic
Assistant Referee 2: Davor Beljo
Fourth Official: Antoni Bandic
Assistant VAR Official: Christian Dingert
Venue: Gewiss Stadium
Att: 21,614
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Overall Possession
Atalanta 66.2% Celtic 33.8%
Shots
Atalanta 22 Celtic 4
Shots on target
Atalanta 6 Celtic 2
Shots off target
Atalanta 12 Celtic 2
Blocked shots
Atalanta 4 Celtic 0
Total touches in the box
Atalanta 54 Celtic 6
Goalkeeper saves
Atalanta 2 Celtic 6
Aerial duels won
Atalanta 22 Celtic 13
Fouls
Atalanta 5 Celtic 9
Corners
Atalanta 7 Celtic 4
Articles
Brendan Rodgers questions if Atalanta draw was ‘pragmatic enough for people’ in message to Celtic critics
By Gavin McCafferty
https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/brendan-rodgers-questions-if-atalanta-draw-was-pragmatic-enough-for-people-in-message-to-celtic-critics-4837549
Comments
Published 23rd Oct 2024, 21:46 BST
Updated 23rd Oct 2024, 21:47 BST
Celtic boss has say after impressive 0-0 draw in Bergamo
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes his players can take major confidence from a clean sheet in Italy as he hailed their courage in bouncing back from the heavy defeat against Borussia Dortmund.
Rodgers’ side held Europa League champions Atalanta to a goalless draw in Bergamo three weeks after conceding seven goals in Germany. Celtic had to withstand some periods of sustained pressure but they looked comfortable for much of the final quarter before a late flurry from the home side in stoppage time.
Rodgers pointed out they had already matched last season’s Champions League tally of four points with five matches left in the new format, starting with the visit of RB Leipzig on November 5.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers salutes the travelling fans after the goalless draw with Atalanta in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers salutes the travelling fans after the goalless draw with Atalanta in Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It gives them the confidence that they can defend against a top team,” said Rodgers, whose side kept their first clean sheet at this level for seven years. “I’m not sure whether that was pragmatic enough for people. I don’t know, but we go out in every game to be structured and defend well.
“You know you’re going to get pushed back. But I think the confidence that it gives you when you can defend against the very best teams, that level and that concentration, then it will give them a huge boost.
“The concentration in the game was superb and you need to have it with the talent that they have, you’re talking about the highest goalscorers in Italian football.
“So to come here, play with that concentration, that commitment and still carry a threat when we had the ball was very, very pleasing. The players showed great courage, concentrated on what it is they had to do, defend the box well, shift, slide and it was a really, really good point for us.”
Celtic looked more compact in midfield with Arne Engels in particular providing more support for his back four along with Callum McGregor and Rodgers felt his players took lessons from that night in Dortmund.
“I mentioned before that sometimes games like that are great games to learn from,” he said. “If you look at Borussia Dortmund (against Real Madrid on Tuesday) night, they conceded five goals in the second half. It’s just the level.
“I never doubted the players and the mentality. We responded straight after that game and won our next game. Then we come away to a team that are, so, so efficient going forward with the quality they have, the power that they have.
“For our players to concentrate, stand up and fight and have that dignity in the performance, I was so proud of them.”
Celtic were again without the injured Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers but recent signings Alex Valle and Auston Trusty delivered their best performances since joining.
Rodgers said: “Auston, made some big, big headers. (Liam) Scales has been doing that for a long time, defends the box so well. For a young player, Alex coming into this level, just needs to tidy up with the ball, like the team does, at times.
“I thought we played through their press really well at times, got into some really good positions. Then we get a little bit excited and we give it away, but that’s just experience. That’s taking steps at this level where you can then slow the game, change the rhythm of the game and retain the ball a wee bit better.
“Defensively, absolutely brilliant, concentrated. The two boys coming into the back line were outstanding. But as was the team, they defended very well.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c62l371zepgo
How Rodgers earned ‘one of his best results’ in Atalanta draw
Media caption,
Celtic withstand Atalanta pressure to secure draw
Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Published
5 minutes ago
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon says the team’s gutsy goalless Champions League draw at Atalanta delivered “one of the best results of Brendan Rodgers’ career”.
Following a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, pressure was on Rodgers to show he could orchestrate a resolute defensive display away to the Europa League holders.
And the 51-year-old’s tactical tweaks paid off as the Scottish champions held firm to record just a second ever away clean sheet in the competition.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Lennon said: “They have now proven they can go away from home and dig out a result.”
Meanwhile, Celtic boss Rodgers hailed his team’s mental resilience to respond by shutting out the Serie A’s top scorers.
“The concentration in the game was superb,” he said. “The players showed great courage. I never doubted them and their mentality.
“I think if you look at our opening three games, I’m so, so happy to have four points. That’s equal with what we had last year, so with five games to go hopefully we can add to that.”
Resilient Celtic secure hard-fought point at Atalanta
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Published
18 June 2023
So, what changed?
Rodgers faced intense criticism in the aftermath of the Dortmund mauling and a debate about whether he was willing to adapt dominated the build-up to Wednesday’s game.
Based on his pre-match comments, there was little to suggest he would change his European approach, which he has passionately backed.
“My coaching has always been aggressive. And until the day I finish, it will be aggressive,” he said on Tuesday.
Post-match in Bergamo, he joked that he was unsure whether the performance “was pragmatic enough for some people”.
Celtic certainly had to be aggressive in their defensive work, but it was lacking from their attacking display.
In no way is that a criticism, though, as the Glasgow side did what they had to do to get a priceless point by turning the dial down on their usual relentless forward play – and the numbers back that up.
In comparison to the chastening 7-1 defeat in Dortmund, Celtic had less of the ball (47% down to 34%), fewer shots (nine to four) and half as many touches in the opposition box (12 to six).
The numbers in both games also show the quirks of stats, given Atalanta failed to score with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.33, while Dortmund smashed in seven with an xG of 2.64.
“We had to learn from the Dortmund game and defend for our lives,” Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel told TNT Sports.
“To come here and get a point is a good point. We took a more practical approach in this one and took fewer chances in our build-up due to their man-to-man system.”
‘Outstanding’ Celtic defence ‘dealt with chaos’
Celtic’s average positions at Atalanta and Dortmund
Image caption,
Celtic’s average positions map at Atalanta (left) shows a far more compact shape in comparison to the heavy Dortmund defeat (right)
The oddity of the xG figures at Atalanta and Dortmund perhaps highlight just how devastating the Bundesliga side’s finishing was in Germany, but Schmeichel avoided his goal being breached in Bergamo by pulling off six saves.
The four-man defence in front of the Denmark goalkeeper will rightly be at the forefront of the plaudits, though, particularly centre-back pairing Liam Scales and Auston Trusty.
In the absence of first pick Cameron Carter-Vickers, Scales and Trusty defended resolutely by making 24 clearances between them.
“Scales and Trusty were outstanding,” former Scotland forward James McFadden said on BBC Sportsound.
“The two of them didn’t panic. Atalanta asked a lot of questions and Celtic had the answers.”
Full-backs Alistair Johnston and Alex Valle, continuing in the place of injured Greg Taylor, also impressed.
Meanwhile, Adam Idah gave the team more of a focal point at the other end and Reo Hatate provided more energy and industry in midfield.
With arguably their two toughest Champions League games out of the way, Celtic can now look forward to back-to-back home matches against RB Leipzig and Club Brugge with four points already on the board.
“So many moments in that game, it felt like the pressure was similar to the Dortmund match,” former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart said on TNT Sports.
“Dortmund got out of control very quickly, but Celtic could deal in the chaos, win the big headers, get a little bit of luck, and some big saves from Schmeichel.
“Once it got through to 70 minutes it felt like Atalanta ran out of ideas. Celtic as a complete squad, brilliant effort.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c70z2qy2eeet#Report
Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland in Bergamo
A terrific defensive display brought Celtic an important Champions League point as they held last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta to a goalless draw in Bergamo.
Having lost all previous seven matches on Italian soil in this competition, Celtic resisted periods of immense pressure from the hosts to take a significant step in their bid to reach the knockout stage.
Kasper Schmeichel made some excellent saves and Atalanta wasted a number of good opportunities, but the defensive discipline of the Scottish champions ultimately frustrated the Serie A side.
After two tough away matches, Celtic now have back-to-back home games against RB Leipzig and Club Brugge with four points in the bank, while next up for Atalanta is a trip to Stuttgart.
Celtic’s fortunes could hardly have fluctuated more wildly across their opening two Champions League matches – the high of a tremendous 5-1 home win against Slovan Bratislava on matchday one, followed by a chastening 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.
The Scottish champions looked a far more compact team than the ragged outfit that were picked apart in Germany as they rebounded from that loss by keeping just their second ever away clean sheet in the competition.
Podcast: Reaction as Celtic claim deserved point in Bergamo
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Atalanta clearly identified defending crosses as a weakness in their opponents and spent the first half bombarding the Celtic box with deliveries from wide on both flanks.
Mario Pasalic was on the end of many of them and saw a header crash back off the crossbar with Schmeichel beaten.
The Danish goalkeeper had earlier produced a great stop to deny Ademola Lookman, and made a brilliant save to deny Mateo Retegui as the home side came on strong at the end of the first half.
Celtic were defending well without having much opportunity to break out, though Nicolas Kuhn might have done better after outpacing the Atalanta defence and breaking into the box before being crowded out.
Scoreless at half-time was a solid foundation on which to build for the visitors, and they almost had the dream start to the second period when Alex Valle’s deflected strike had to be tipped over by Marco Carnesecchi in the Atalanta goal.
The home side were soon cranking up the pressure again and Marten de Roon’s strike from the edge of the box drew a good save from Schmeichel.
Kyogo Furuhashi came off the bench and got in behind the Atalanta defence, only for his lobbed effort to drop the wrong side of the bar.
Atalanta continued to dominate the ball, but Celtic’s sheer doggedness in defence frustrated the life out of them. The visitors held on to take a well-earned point and the acclaim of their travelling fans who applauded a job well done.
Celtic show defensive steel
Media caption,
Celtic ‘showed courage’ in Atalanta draw – Brendan Rodgers
“An assault on your spirit” was how Brendan Rodgers described that walloping in the Westfalenstadion. The manager was bullish in his insistence he would not compromise his attacking philosophy for a more pragmatic style against the bigger guns in this competition.
This was a different Celtic though, a more resolute and organised unit than the side that crumbled against Dortmund.
Adam Idah starting ahead of Kyogo to lead the line was a tactical switch from Rodgers, with the Irishman offering himself up for direct balls when Celtic needed to relieve the pressure and get themselves up the pitch.
In the absence of defensive lynchpin Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales and Auston Trusty stood up with towering displays at the heart of the defence. Those two were standouts in a tremendous collective effort.
The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Arne Engels and Reo Hatate put in tireless shifts, and while the team’s use of the ball could have been better at times, they eliminated the type of individual errors that proved so ruinous in Dortmund.
For too long Celtic have been a soft touch away from home in Europe, but Rodgers may finally have struck upon a gameplan that makes them an altogether more resilient side away from the comforts of Celtic Park.
Atalanta frustrated by resilient Celtic
Atalanta made European football sit up and take notice when they embarked on that epic Europa League run last season that took them all the way to the trophy.
They look very comfortable at Champions League level, having drawn at home to Arsenal and dispatched Shakhtar Donestk in their two previous European matches.
What they lacked here was a killer instinct. With the amount of possession, territory and good chances they had, they will wonder how they failed to break Celtic down.
Much of that is down to an excellent defensive display from the Parkhead men, but having been similarly frustrated against Arsenal on matchday one, the Italians will need to adapt and find new ideas against sides capable of absorbing pressure if they are to go on another memorable European run this season.
Match stats
Celtic have kept a Champions League clean sheet for the first time since September 2017 in a 3-0 win over Anderlecht, ending a run of 18 games without one in which they shipped 51 goals.
Although they failed to score in the first half, Atalanta accumulated a total of 1.71 xG, the fourth most by a team in the first half of a Champions League game this season. Indeed, two of those four highest have been against Celtic, with Borussia Dortmund doing so on 1 October (2.1).
Celtic attempted four shots in this game, their lowest total in a single match in the 2024-2025 Champions League.
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has made six saves in each of his last two Champions League appearances. Tonight he became the first Celtic goalkeeper to make as many as six saves and keep a clean sheet in a Champions League game on record (since 2003-04).
The goalless draw has ended a run of 85 consecutive games in major European matches without a 0-0 for Celtic, with their last 0-0 draw coming against Benfica back in September 2012 in a Champions League match.
Atalanta are just the second team on record in the Champions League (2008-09 onwards) to have 20+ shots (22) and 50+ touches in the opposition box (54) and not score a goal, along with Paris SG against Borussia Dortmund in last season’s semi-final second leg (30 shots, 50 touches in the opp. box).
Live Reporting
Colin Moffat
Celtic ‘stood up to be counted’ – Rodgerspublished at 20:25 British Summer Time
20:25 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in his press conference says: “The concentration in the game was superb. You’re talking about the highest goalscorers in Italian football. The players showed great courage. It was a really good point for us.
“I never doubted the players and their mentality. I was so proud of them.
“If you look at our opening three games, to have four points, I’m so, so happy with that.
“It gives them the confidence that you can defend against a top team. I’m not sure whether that was pragmatic enough for some people.
“You’re never comfortable until the final whistle goes especially against a top team. Sometimes the luck goes against a Scottish team but we defended manfully and stood up to be counted.”
Celtic players salute their fans in BergamoImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 20:21 British Summer Time
20:21 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic will bank €700,000 for picking up a point in Bergamo.
That should cover the bath salts needed for all of those aching muscles.
Postpublished at 20:16 British Summer Time
20:16 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
As it stands, with the 20:00 starts under way, Celtic sit 21st in the new ‘mega-table’.
A long way to go of course…
‘It felt great’ – Rodgerspublished at 20:12 British Summer Time
20:12 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells TNT Sports: “It felt great. We said before the game we knew the level we were playing against.
“I thought the courage and the dignity the players played with to stand up to the fight… To come here and get a clean sheet it’s a brilliant performance.
“It was making sure we have the same mentality. It felt we also had a threat when we carried the ball as well.
“To have that concentration and commitment… Yes, I was very pleased.”
Postpublished at 20:10 British Summer Time
20:10 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic end a run of seven European Cup / Champions League defeats on Italian soil.
We’ll hear from Brendan Rodgers in just a moment.
Postpublished at 20:06 British Summer Time
20:06 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel had to make two smart saves in the first half and was relieved to see a header from Mario Pasalic crash against the crossbar.
The Celtic goalkeeper wasn’t nearly so busy after the interval as his team-mates dug in to keep the hosts at bay.
‘We took a more practical approach’published at 20:03 British Summer Time
20:03 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel tells TNT Sports: “It was a tough game, knew it would be.
“We had to learn from the Dortmund game and defend for our lives, we did that. Very proud of the boys.
“To come here and get a point is a good point. We took a more practical approach in this one, took less chances in our build-up due to their man-to-man system.
“I thought we did all right.”
James Forrest and Kasper SchmeichelImage source, SNS
‘One of Rodgers’ best’published at 20:00 British Summer Time
20:00 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Neil Lennon
Former Celtic manager on TNT Sports
I think it’s one of best results in Brendan Rodgers’ career.
They have proven tonight they can go away from home and dig out a result.
Celtic manager Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
‘Scales & Trusty outstanding’published at 19:58 British Summer Time
19:58 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
It’s a fantastic result, it really is.
Scales and Trusty were outstanding. The two of them didn’t panic. Atalanta asked a lot of questions and Celtic had the answers.
Liam Scales in action for CelticImage source, SNS
Atalanta lack killer touchpublished at 19:55 British Summer Time
19:55 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Atalanta are just the second team in the Champions League since 2008-09 to have 20+ shots and 50+ touches in the opposition box and not score.
PSG are the other team in last season’s semi-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund.
Atalanta’s xG of 2.37 mapped outImage source, Opta
Two home ties in Novemberpublished at 19:50 British Summer Time
19:50 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Four points from the first three games? That has to be considered one point more than anticipated – and it could be a vital one.
Next up for Celtic is RB Leipzig at home on 5 November, with Club Brugge coming to Glasgow on 27 November.
‘Complete squad effort’published at 19:46 British Summer Time
19:46 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
They’ve done so well tonight.
So many moments in that game it felt like the pressure was similar to the Dortmund game.
Dortmund got out of control very quickly, but this time Celtic could deal in the chaos, win the big headers, got a little bit of luck, and some big saves from Schmeichel.
Once it got through to 70 minutes it felt like Atalanta ran out of ideas.
Celtic as a complete squad, brilliant effort.
Nicolas Kuhn gets a word of appreciation from Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
‘Much more like it’published at 19:44 British Summer Time
19:44 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
That was much more like it.
Celtic got better in the second half. I thought they’d actually be under more pressure.
They defended their box brilliantly.
I’ve got to give credit to Brendan Rodgers and the staff, they got it absolutely right tonight.
Postpublished at 19:42 British Summer Time
19:42 BST
FT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A great way to respond to that seven-goal mauling in Dortmund.
It’s just a second ever clean sheet away from home in this competition for Celtic.
FULL-TIME Atalanta 0-0 Celticpublished at 90+4 mins
90+4 mins
A gutsy Champions League point on the road for Celtic.
Atalanta bossed the ball throughout but ran out of ideas in the second half after a flood of substitutions.
The Serie A side remain unbeaten and move on to five points. Celtic are just one behind.
Kyogo fires off target for CelticImage source, SNS
‘Resolute defending’published at 19:37 British Summer Time
19:37 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
Resolute defending from Celtic again, taking Atalanta out of their comfort zone.
Postpublished at 90+3 mins
90+3 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Everyone up for Atalanta as Isak Hien booms a header a couple of metres over the top.
Postpublished at 90+2 mins
90+2 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Lazar Samardzic hits the defensive wall, but Celtic give away another free-kick almost immediately.
The second effort is crossed and headed away by Liam Scales.
Postpublished at 90+1 mins
90+1 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Atalanta with a free-kick 25 yards out in a central position.
Postpublished at 90 mins
90 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Four minutes added…
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LIVE stream page 2
Postpublished at 89 mins
89 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Alistair Johnston waits for the stretcher to arrive before popping back to his feet. He will have to hobble off before he can come back on though.
Postpublished at 88 mins
88 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A huge roar from the visiting fans as Celtic captain Callum McGregor defends his near post and heads away a corner.
Now Alistair Johnston is down with cramp…
Postpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time
19:30 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Don’t want to jinx it but Atalanta don’t look nearly as dangerous up top without Lookman and Retegui.
Postpublished at 85 mins
85 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Five minutes plus change remaining…
Can Celtic hold on?
Use the force, Brendanpublished at 19:26 British Summer Time
19:26 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Every little helps when trying to keep the ball out of the net…
RodgersImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Brendan Rodgers’ side are closing in on a priceless point
Postpublished at 80 mins
80 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
The subs keep on coming as Celtic stalwart James Forrest takes over from Nicolas Kuhn.
Postpublished at 78 mins
78 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic will be glad to see the back of Mario Pasalic as he is replaced by Nicolo Zaniolo. The Croatian has been a real menace with his late runs into the box.
Sead Kolasinac makes way for Matteo Ruggeri.
Postpublished at 77 mins
77 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A glimpse of goal for Celtic striker Kyogo as his awkward volley flies high into the sky before dropping on the roof of the net.
‘McCowan has a job to do’published at 19:19 British Summer Time
19:19 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
I thought before the game if Celtic were going to come away from the game with anything it would be a squad effort.
It’s a huge moment for Luke McCowan but he’s got a job to do now on the park.
-Image source, SNS
Postpublished at 74 mins
74 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Two more changes for Celtic as Luis Palma and Luke McCowan take over from Daizen Maeda and Arne Engels.
Postpublished at 73 mins
73 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Davide Zappacosta takes aim for the near post with a low shot from 18 yards but can only find the side-netting.
‘Brilliant result’ in the post?published at 19:15 British Summer Time
19:15 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
If it stays like this, a 0-0 draw for Celtic is a brilliant result.
Postpublished at 69 mins
69 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Last season’s Europa League final hero Ademola Lookman is being withdrawn, with Colombia veteran Juan Cuadrado entering the fray for Atalanta.
Postpublished at 68 mins
68 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Here come the Celtic replacements as Kyogo and Bernardo take over from Adam Idah and Reo Hatate.
Postpublished at 67 mins
67 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A lovely turn from Charles de Ketelaere but there’s no power on the shot as Kasper Schmeichel smothers.
Postpublished at 66 mins
66 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
As Celtic defend a corner, Kyogo and Paulo Bernardo are getting ready to come on.
‘Atalanta have freedom in their formation’published at 19:08 British Summer Time
19:08 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
They’ve got real freedom in this formation Atalanta.
Just when you think you’ve got an idea of what’s going on, now Pasalic is popping up in the centre-forward position.
Gasperini has tinkered with his formationImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Gasperini has tinkered with his formation
‘Celtic working so hard’published at 19:06 British Summer Time
19:06 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
If Celtic get anything out of this game, they’ll need to work so hard for it and that’s what we’re seeing.
Kuhn and HatateImage source, SNS
Postpublished at 58 mins
58 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini decides on a couple of changes, with Bellanova and Retegui removed.
Lazar Samardzic and Charles de Ketelaere are the men coming on.
Postpublished at 57 mins
57 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel with another stop, this time thwarting Atalanta captain Marten de Roon.
LIVE stream page 3
Postpublished at 55 mins
55 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Isak Hien gets the last touch on an Atalanta corner and Kasper Schmeichel is relieved to see the header drift away from the target.
‘Atalanta attacking from all angles’published at 18:58 British Summer Time
18:58 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
The concentration required when you’re up against it on these European nights… It’s mentally draining.
Atalanta are so aware, they’re attacking from all angles.
Postpublished at 53 mins
53 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Reo Hatate is caught napping a bit at the edge of the Celtic penalty box but a combination of Auston Trusty and Alistair Johnston prevent Ademola Lookman connecting with Mario Pasalic’s driven cross.
Postpublished at 49 mins
49 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic left-back Alex Valle strides forward and lets fly with a shot takes a slight deflection.
There’s plenty of venom on the effort and Marco Carnesecchi is at full-stretch to get fingertips to it, although it may have been zooming just over the top.
‘Outstanding Scales’published at 18:53 British Summer Time
18:53 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
That’s a big opportunity for Pasalic, he just doesn’t get enough on it.
The one before that… Liam Scales’ defending – outstanding.
Postpublished at 48 mins
48 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Liam Scales with a vital interception inside his own six yard box to deny Mateo Retegui a tap-in.
Soon after, yet another header from Mario Pasalic flies wide.
‘Celtic will have belief’published at 18:50 British Summer Time
18:50 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
There should be plenty of belief in the team now because they survived that first half.
They really have to stay switched on.
KICK-OFFpublished at 18:49 British Summer Time
18:49 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Here we go for the second half.
Postpublished at 18:48 British Summer Time
18:48 BST
HT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
The home side are out nice and early for the second half.
Here come Celtic now.
No changes by the look of things.
Postpublished at 18:45 British Summer Time
18:45 BST
HT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
The stats tells us Celtic have covered a collective 58.4km, which is 3.1km more than the home side.
Can they keep this work rate up and maintain concentration?
Celtic defending deeppublished at 18:42 British Summer Time
18:42 BST
HT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Celtic had a period they had decent possession, but that was only for about 10 minutes.
The rest of it has been them defending their own box.
‘Celtic are doing the right things’published at 18:40 British Summer Time
18:40 BST
HT: Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Neil Lennon
Former Celtic manager on TNT Sports
Overall, Celtic have tried to do everything right, defensively and offensively.
They could take care of the ball a bit better, but they’ve been defensively resolute and can counter-attack.
A few weeks ago it was 5-1 down at this point.
HALF-TIME Atalanta 0-0 Celticpublished at 45 mins
45 mins
All square and Celtic will be very happy with that.
No surprise to see Atalanta haring down the wings at every opportunity. There have been a few scares too, with Kasper Schmeichel making a couple of smart saves and Mario Pasalic hitting the crossbar with a strong header.
Atalanta 0-0 CelticImage source, SNS
‘Top stop’published at 18:31 British Summer Time
18:31 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
It’s a great save.
Again, it’s straight at Schmeichel but he still has to make the stop.
GREAT SAVE!published at 44 mins
44 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel’s best save yet as he reacts well to push away a flashing header from Mateo Retegui.
Postpublished at 43 mins
43 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
The ball makes it way to Ademola Lookman at the back post area but before he can think about getting a shot off Alistair Johnston thunders in with a strong tackle.
‘Idah’s eyes lit up’published at 18:28 British Summer Time
18:28 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
Idah’s eyes would have lit up there.
It was good, positive goalkeeping though.
He’s not had much to do tonight but when he’s been called upon Marco Carnesecchi has been there.
Postpublished at 40 mins
40 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Daizen Maedea scurries forward and zips in a useful cross. Home keeper Marco Carnesecchi comes to intercept and doesn’t gather, but a defender in blue and black is on hand to tidy up.
Postpublished at 39 mins
39 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Another Atalanta cross from their left, another save for Kasper Schmeichel as the header from Berat Djimsiti loops into his arms.
‘This can’t continue’published at 18:24 British Summer Time
18:24 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
Celtic can’t continue to encourage this.
Eventually Atalanta will get their rewards.
LIVE stream page 4
Postpublished at 36 mins
36 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Another touch inside the penalty box for Mario Pasalic but he can’t steer his header on target.
Menacing Pasalicpublished at 18:22 British Summer Time
18:22 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
After 30 minutes, Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic has already attempted three shots.
That’s more than in any of his last eight appearances for the Italian side.
Mario Pasalic ahs been involved all over the park for the hostsImage source, Opta
Image caption,
Mario Pasalic ahs been involved all over the park for the hosts
Celtic holding firmpublished at 18:22 British Summer Time
18:22 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland at Gewiss Stadium
The Celtic fans off to our right are in full voice. They know their team needs them as they try to survive this period of Atalanta pressure.
The Italians have clearly identified crosses to the back post as a Celtic weakness, but so far the visitors have managed to keep the Europa League holders at bay.
Postpublished at 32 mins
32 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic try to spring Daizen Maeda free in a central position but Isak Hien soon catches the winger to snuff out the danger.
‘Celtic survive first wave’published at 18:17 British Summer Time
18:17 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
As hard as Celtic had to work in the last five or 10 minutes, so did Atalanta and they’re just taking a breather now too.
Celtic have survived that first real wave of attacks.
Atalanta 0-0 CelticImage source, Getty Images
Scales in the thick of itpublished at 18:15 British Summer Time
18:15 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Liam Scales is having a busy night. The Celtic centre-half has touched the ball more than any other visiting player in the first 25 minutes – and covered the most ground.
Liam ScalesImage source, SNS
‘Need more from Kuhn’published at 18:15 British Summer Time
18:15 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Pat Bonner
Former Celtic goalkeeper on BBC Sportsound
Celtic have done well to hang in there.
Atalanta are punishing them down Celtic’s right. Kuhn needs to do more defensively.
Postpublished at 26 mins
26 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Davide Zappacosta cracks one over the top as Atalanta keep pressing and pushing the Celtic defence around.
‘Great reaction from Schmeichel’published at 18:12 British Summer Time
18:12 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
You’re expecting Pasalic to hit a side.
It’s straight at Schmeichel but his reaction is great.
Postpublished at 24 mins
24 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Good save Kasper Schmeichel…
Atalanta break with intent and a low cross is met first time by Mario Pasalic. It’s struck firmly, but straight at the Celtic keeper, who does well to make sure the all doesn’t squirm through his legs.
Postpublished at 22 mins
22 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Corner to Celtic, which the keeper eventually punches away. Marco Carnesecchi is busy again moments later, diving to push away a low strike from Arne Engels.
Postpublished at 21 mins
21 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Arne Engels clips Ademola Lookman near the edge of the box and Celtic stand firm from the resulting free-kick as Alex Valle heads away.
‘Scales on his heels’published at 18:05 British Summer Time
18:05 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
There are dangerous crosses coming in from Atalanta.
Liam Scales is on his heels and he’s fortunate to see the ball crash off the bar and stay out.
‘Celtic have to ride the storm’published at 18:05 British Summer Time
18:05 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
It’s a lovely ball in and a very good header.
Atalanta are getting a lot of crosses in and Celtic are going to have to ride this storm.
These are big moments in the game.
HITS THE WOODWORKpublished at 18 mins
18 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Kasper Schmeichel comes to punch away a cross but the Celtic goalkeeper can only stand and look from the next delivery which is met by the head of Mario Pasalic.
The ball crashes against the crossbar and the Croatian midfielder can only nod the rebound onto the roof of the net.
‘Good pressure from Celtic’published at 18:02 British Summer Time
18:02 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
Excellent from Lookman coming in off the left, but there was enough pressure on him to prevent a clean strike.
Postpublished at 14 mins
14 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Atalanta come again as Ademola Lookman fails to get any power on his shot, allowing Kasper Schmeichel to make another simple stop.
Postpublished at 13 mins
13 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A cute diagonal cross has Mateo Retegui lunging in at the back post but the Atalanta striker can only graze the ball with his studs and can’t trouble Kasper Schmeichel.
Chance gone?published at 17:57 British Summer Time
17:57 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
What a run it is from Kuhn, he just seemed to get quicker.
But could he have shifted it on to his right and set up Idah?
Postpublished at 9 mins
9 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Now it’s Nicolas Kuhn showing good pace to get Celtic up the park but he can’t pick out the supporting Adam Idah as the visitors earn a corner that comes to nothing.
LIVE stream page 5
‘Johnston on a knife-edge now’published at 17:55 British Summer Time
17:55 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Joe Hart
Former Celtic goalkeeper on TNT Sports
Booked in the eighth minute against a lively Atalanta team, Alistair Johnston will be on a knife-edge now.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 8 mins
8 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston picks up his customary booking early as he clatters into Zappacosta, who was racing away.
Postpublished at 7 mins
7 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Measured build up from the Italians with a couple of crosses coming in, one from each flank. The second meets the head of Raoul Bellanova but his effort is easily gathered by Kasper Schmeichel.
Postpublished at 5 mins
5 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
Nicolas Kuhn tries to squeeze through a gap between the two Atalanta central defenders but the Celtic winger is muscled out.
‘Idah involved’published at 17:50 British Summer Time
17:50 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
Already Adam Idah has had a few touches of the ball with Celtic looking to build attacks.
Atalanta 0-0 CelticImage source, Getty Images
Postpublished at 1 mins
1 mins
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
A sloppy pass from Reo Hatate sets up a home attack within seconds. Mateo Retegui makes a mess of the cross though.
KICK-OFFpublished at 17:45 British Summer Time
17:45 BST
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic
The wee stadium is rocking as Bosnian referee Irfan Peljto peeps his whistle to get the game started.
Atalanta 0-0 CelticImage source, SNS
Red hot Reteguipublished at 17:44 British Summer Time
17:44 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
With last season’s top scorer Gianluca Scamacca out with a long-term injury, Mateo Retegui is the current Atalanta danger man.
The Argentina-born Italy international has six goals in his last four games for club and country and has eight in eight Serie A outings since his summer move from Genoa.
The 25-year-old is waiting for his first Champions League goal after missing a penalty against Arsenal.
Mateo ReteguiImage source, SNS
‘It’s not Russian roulette football’ – Rodgerspublished at 17:42 British Summer Time
17:42 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tells TNT Sports: “If you watched last night, Dortmund concede five goals in the second half. It’s such a high level, games can get away from you. That was a sore one for us [7-1 in Dortmund], it was hard to take, but this is a real honest group of players who have come here to make life difficult for Atalanta.
“Atalanta are a very physical team, a very aggressive team, and at times you have to play through that press into your front man. There will be a lot of individual duels, one-on-one.
“You hear a lot of things about strategy. We go into every game looking to defend well. We conceded early goals in Dortmund which spooked us because we weren’t compact enough.
“We go into every game looking to be compact; sometimes that’s pressing high, sometimes in that middle third and sometimes in the defensive third.
“It’s not Russian roulette football. I wouldn’t be a very wise coach, or stood here today if that was how I coached.”
Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
Atalanta miss out on O’Rileypublished at 17:38 British Summer Time
17:38 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners was the big summer departure for Atalanta, moving to Juventus for around £50m.
The Bergamo club approached Celtic with several offers for Matt O’Riley but finally opted for Charles De Ketelaere from AC Milan as Brighton met Celtic’s asking price for O’Riley.
The 23-year-old Belgian has just one goal and one assist so far and is on the bench this evening.
Rodgers has a lot of love for Lookmanpublished at 17:36 British Summer Time
17:36 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers knows all about Ademola Lookman, having worked with the Nigeria forward at Leicester City.
He also tried to sign him during his first spell with Celtic, only to be outbid by Everton in January 2017.
“I’m so proud of him and the career that he’s had,” said Rodgers yesterday. “He leads his life in the right way, everything is geared towards being the best he can.”
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman warming up pre-matchImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman warming up pre-match
Frightening form on Euro stagepublished at 17:33 British Summer Time
17:33 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
That Europa League run was mightily impressive too.
In the knockout phase, Atalanta beat Lisbon giants Sporting before absolutely rinsing Liverpool and Marseille to set up a meeting with Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.
The Germans were aiming to continue an ‘invincible season’, having run away with the Bundesliga, but were on the wrong end of a 3-0 chasing as Ademola Lookman banged in a hat-trick.
Ademola Lookman celebrates with the Europa League trophyImage source, Getty Images
Show us your medals…published at 17:30 British Summer Time
17:30 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Atalanta’s Europa League victory last season doubled the club’s tally of major honours, adding to their 1963 Coppa Italia triumph.
Celtic have celebrated 118 pieces of silverware over the years.
Postpublished at 17:28 British Summer Time
17:28 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Celtic’s Champions League record in Italy is played seven, lost seven.
In all competitions, there is one win in 15, with 11 defeats.
That one success came against Lazio in the Europa League group stage in 2019.
Postpublished at 17:26 British Summer Time
17:26 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
This is just a fourth taste of the Champions League for Atalanta, who made their debut at this level in 2019-20.
They opened this campaign with a 0-0 draw at home to Arsenal and followed that with a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
Can Celtic find defensive ‘balance’?published at 17:24 British Summer Time
17:24 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Will Celtic adopt a more cagey approach after their 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund?
At Tuesday’s media conference Brendan Rodgers fielded a few questions on that topic.
Here’s a taste of what he said…
“I started coaching over 25 years ago, and from the very beginning my coaching has always been aggressive. And until the day I finish it will be aggressive.
“I’m also respectful that where you play against teams at a certain level, certain opponents, you have to really look at their strengths.
“But don’t say I don’t do that in every game, because I do, no matter what team we are playing, whether it’s in Scotland or in the Champions League.
“It’s the level at which you can get punished. You have to have the balance in your game, you have to be really strong defensively.”
Celtic manager Brendan RodgersImage source, SNS
‘Huge task for Celtic’published at 17:19 British Summer Time
17:19 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
James McFadden
Former Scotland forward on BBC Sportsound
It’s a huge task tonight for Celtic to face the Europa League winners of last season.
They were the only side that beat Bayern Leverkusen in any competition last season.
It’s going to be a tough game but if Celtic approach it in the right way, they can get something out of it.
New role for Hartpublished at 17:16 British Summer Time
17:16 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Does he wish he was out there playing?
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart is at the game on media duty.
At 37, he is four months younger than his replacement Kasper Schmeichel.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart is at the game on media dutyImage source, SNS
Confidence dented among Celtic fanspublished at 17:12 British Summer Time
17:12 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Gewiss Stadium
It’s been a miserable, wet day in Bergamo and the rain is still coming down as we approach kick-off.
There were plenty of green and white hooped jerseys in and around the town yesterday when the sun was shining.
Speaking to some of the travelling Celtic fans, it’s fair to say they come here in hope rather than expectation of a positive result. The drubbing in Dortmund has certainly dented confidence and they face another tough test in Atalanta.
The good news is after this two of the hardest games in this league phase will be behind them and if Celtic can somehow eke something out of this game, their bid to reach the knockout stages will be in good shape.
Celtic fans in BergamoImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Smiling in the rain…
Clean bill of health for Kolasinac & Hienpublished at 17:09 British Summer Time
17:09 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Atalanta defensive duo Sead Kolasinac and Isak Hien have shaken off illnesses to start.
The former missed the weekend win at Venezia, while the Swede had to go off at half-time.
Skipper Marten De Roon moves back into midfield with Kolasinac returning and that means Charles De Ketelaere drops out.
LIVE stream page 6
Idah up top for Celticpublished at 17:06 British Summer Time
17:06 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
One change from Saturday’s 2-2 draw at home to Aberdeen.
Adam Idah leads the attack, with Kyogo dropping to the bench.
Ada Idah scored as a substitute in the opening win over Slovan BratislavaImage source, SNS
Image caption,
Idah scored as a substitute in the opening win over Slovan Bratislava
LINE-UPS at Gewiss Stadiumpublished at 17:03 British Summer Time
17:03 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta, Pasalic, Retegui, Lookman.
Substitutes: Rui Patricio, Rossi, Godfrey, Cuadrado, Zaniolo, De Ketelaere, Ruggeri, Samardzic, Palestra, Manzoni, Vlahovic, Del Lungo.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle, McGregor, Hatate, Engels, Kuhn, Idah, Maeda.
Substitutes: Sinisalo, Bain, Palma, Kyogo, Yang, McCowan, Nawrocki, Bernardo, Forrest, Ralston, Welsh.
Buona serapublished at 17:01 British Summer Time
17:01 BST
Atalanta v Celtic (17:45)
Contrasting fortunes for Celtic thus far in the Champions League, having slayed Slovan Bratislava before getting demolished in Dortmund.
Another tough away tie awaits this evening against last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta.
The hosts are not traditional Serie A heavyweights but wily head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has turned them into a formidable force in recent years.
Celtic will need a big improvement on their showing at Westfalenstadion.
‘The insurmountable wall and the bus’: How the Italian media reacted to Celtic’s ‘bitter’ draw with Atalanta
By Graham Falk
Sports Writer
Published 24th Oct 2024, 09:22 BST
A battling Celtic performance helped them claim a valuable point in the Champions League
Celtic delivered a stirring display to pick up in important point in this season’s Champions League last night, securing an impressive 0-0 draw against Atalanta in Bergamo on matchday three.
Thrashed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund on their last outing in the Champions League, Celtic fans would have been forgiven for having some trepidation heading into the game in Bergamo.
In the end though, it was a resolute Celtic defence that deservedly took the headlines on Wednesday night, with outstanding performances from centre-back pairing Auston Trusty and Liam Scales helping the Hoops blunt Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium. The draw puts Brendan Rodgers’ side on four points, and keeps their place in the League Path playoff spots.
The Celtic team were hailed by the travelling support crowd after their battling display, but were also given praise by some section Italian media in the aftermath of the game – though not all of them were quite so complimentary about their strong defensive display against the Serie A oufit.
We look at how the Italian media reacted to the game:
Bergamo based newspaper primabergamo.it were left frustrated after Europa League champions Atalanta were unable to break the Celtic resistance, calling it a ‘bitter draw’. They singled out one Celtic star for praise though, saying: “Atalanta were superior but wasteful, (Kasper) Schmeichel saved everything.”
They added: “The Nerazzurri played a great first half, creating several excellent goal opportunities but in the end only managed to snatch a 0-0 draw against the Celtic team. Judging by how the Scottish fans greeted the final whistle, it is clear that they were more than satisfied with the final result and how they lived the challenge with fear. After all, in football goals and results count: La Dea failed to score, so the point is taken and brought home.
Leading Italian sports newspaper Il Corriere Dello Sport went with a similar theme, but brought into question a second half decision made by Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini: “Five clear goal-scoring opportunities, a crossbar, over 60% possession. However, Atalanta was unable to break the Scottish catenaccio (door-bolt), despite all the changes decided by Gasperini who unexpectedly removed the top scorer early. Why did you take Mateo Retegui off after 58 minutes?
“Once upon a time, people turned up their noses when talking about the Italian-style football, in relation to the hyper-defensive tactics used by some Italian teams. The Scottish version, systematically applied by Celtic in Bergamo, earned a golden point for Rodgers’ team, who were so shocked by the seven goals conceded at Borussia Dortmund, that they erected an insurmountable wall at the Gewiss Stadium.
“Atalanta would have won on points, but football is not boxing and, above all, when you dominate games like this far and wide without being able to get through, it is better to draw than perhaps suffer a defeat at the last minute.”
They added; “Celtic were impervious to puncture. Gasperini unexpectedly replaced Retegui and Raoul Bellanova in favour of Lazar Samardzic and Charles De Ketelaere. The Serbian had no impact, the Belgian played well, but neither managed to break through the bus placed by Celtic in front of the defence.”