Celtic achieved their first Champions League clean sheet in seven years by holding Europa League champions Atalanta to a scoreless draw in Bergamo.
Brendan Rodgers organized his team with a deep defensive strategy, eager to prevent a repeat of their 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in their prior European match. He expressed pride in his team’s resilient performance.
“This gives them the confidence to defend against a top team,” stated the Celtic manager after the match.
“I’m not certain if that approach was pragmatic enough for everyone. Nonetheless, we aim to be structured and defend well in every match.”
The match might have had a different outcome had Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic been more decisive in front of goal.
Pasalic squandered five significant opportunities, a feat matched by only four other players in the Champions League since the 2010/11 season, with four of those chances occurring in the first half. The midfielder managed to hit the target just once from his six attempts at goal.
Celtic appeared more assured during the second half.
Despite conceding even more possession to their opponents, Celtic managed to limit the flow of crosses from former Chelsea wing-back Davide Zappacosta, who provided all four of his chances in the first half.
After three games in the Champions League, Rodgers’ team has accumulated four points, moving them further away from the relegation zone. In contrast, Atalanta sits on five points at the conclusion of gameweek three, just short of automatic qualification.
Rodgers Responds to Critics with Strong Defensive Performance
Celtic had not recorded a clean sheet in the Champions League since defeating Anderlecht 3-0 in the group stages back in 2017, a feat that was followed by a disappointing loss to Dortmund.
Before the match, Rodgers, who was in charge during that earlier victory seven years ago, maintained that the team’s catastrophic defeat stemmed from a few early goals that unsettled his players. It seemed that the criticism and allegations of naivety had frustrated him.
Celtic took note of their previous experiences and adopted a more pragmatic strategy in Italy, minimizing risks during the buildup by positioning Adam Idah in the forward role and employing a more direct style of play.
Kasper Schmeichel contributed significantly, becoming the first Celtic goalkeeper to record six saves and maintain a clean sheet in the Champions League.
competition since the 2003/04 season, while Auston Trusty stood firm at the back, making 10 headed clearances to prevent Atalanta from scoring.
Celtic’s players acknowledge the travelling support after securing a goalless draw.
Celtic’s response has effectively silenced their critics, earning them a crucial point that is vital for maintaining their aspirations for progression in the Champions League. They now face back-to-back home matches against RB Leipzig and Club Bruges.
While Atalanta’s inability to convert chances contributed to Celtic’s clean sheet, the Hoops earned their fortune through hard work in Italy.
Rodgers: Was that pragmatic enough?
Celtic head coach Brendan Rodgers:
“This gives them confidence that they can defend well against a top team.
“I’m not certain if that was pragmatic enough for everyone. I’m unsure, but our aim in every game is to be organized and defend effectively.
“You know you’ll be pushed back at times. However, the confidence gained from defending against the best teams, maintaining that level of focus, will provide a significant boost.
“The concentration displayed during the game was exceptional. It’s essential to have that focus when facing top talent, especially considering they’re among the leading goalscorers in Italian football.
“To come here and play with such concentration, commitment, and still pose a threat when in possession was truly gratifying. The players exhibited great bravery, sticking to their defensive duties, shifting, sliding, and it was a valuable point for us.”
Trusty: We showed the world what we can do
Celtic defender Auston Trusty:
“Dortmund was simply one of those matches. The beauty of football lies in the fact that there’s always another chance to react and reveal what type of team you truly are.
“Sometimes you just have those unfortunate nights, and clearly, that’s an experience we don’t wish to repeat. It left us with a sinking feeling, so we were determined to come out here and demonstrate to the world our true capabilities.”
can do and what type of team we are.
“If they want to deliver crosses, I enjoy heading the ball and being positioned to win tackles, as well as executing any defensive plays I can,” he stated.
“I adapt to their style of play and execute my role accordingly.
“Playing in the Premier League last year, I regarded it as the top league in the world.
“I’m familiar with these scenarios and believe I can contribute significantly to this squad and organization by being a leader both on and off the pitch.”
Match stats: A significant evening for Celtic
- Atalanta has now become just the second team recorded in the UEFA Champions League (since 2008-09) to generate over 20 shots and more than 50 touches in the opposition box without scoring, resembling Paris Saint-Germain’s performance against Borussia Dortmund in last season’s semi-final second leg.
- This evening’s goalless draw has concluded a streak of 85 consecutive matches in major European competitions for Celtic without a 0-0 result, with their last goalless draw occurring against Benfica in September 2012 during a UEFA Champions League encounter.
- Celtic recorded their first clean sheet in the UEFA Champions League since September 2017, when they won 3-0 against Anderlecht, after enduring 18 matches in which they conceded 51 goals.
- Mario Pasalic had six attempts without scoring for Atalanta tonight, matching the highest number of shots taken by an Atalanta player in a UEFA Champions League match without finding the back of the net, along with Duván Zapata against FC Midtjylland in December 2020.
How the match unfolded
What’s next in the Champions League?
Celtic Secures First Champions League Clean Sheet in Seven Years with Resilient Draw Against Atalanta
Overview of the Match
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter, Celtic showcased their defensive prowess, managing to secure a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Atalanta at Parkhead. This result not only marked their first clean sheet in the Champions League in seven years but also highlighted the team’s resilience and tactical discipline. With passionate support from the home crowd, Celtic delivered a performance that left fans and pundits alike impressed.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Celtic | Atalanta |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 45% | 55% |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 7 |
| Total Shots | 10 | 15 |
| Corners | 3 | 5 |
| Fouls Committed | 12 | 10 |
Defensive Strategy and Performance
Celtic’s backline, led by their experienced defenders, displayed remarkable organization and discipline throughout the match. Here are some key aspects of their defensive strategy:
- Compact Formation: The team employed a compact 4-2-3-1 formation that limited Atalanta’s space, effectively neutralizing their attacking threats.
- Pressing Game: Celtic implemented a high press, forcing Atalanta into making quick decisions and limiting their build-up play.
- Outstanding Goalkeeping: The goalkeeper made several crucial saves, showcasing reflexes and positioning that kept the clean sheet intact.
Individual Performances
Several players stood out during the match, contributing significantly to Celtic’s defensive success:
- Joe Hart: The veteran goalkeeper’s leadership and shot-stopping ability were pivotal. Hart made key saves that preserved the clean sheet.
- Stephen Welsh: The young defender demonstrated maturity beyond his years, breaking up play and making crucial tackles.
- Callum McGregor: As the captain, McGregor not only anchored the midfield but also helped in defensive transitions, making essential interceptions.
Benefits of a Strong Defensive Performance
Securing a clean sheet in the Champions League carries significant benefits for Celtic:
- Moral Boost: A clean sheet against a formidable opponent like Atalanta boosts team morale and confidence moving forward in the tournament.
- Building Trust: A solid defensive performance fosters trust among players, enhancing teamwork and communication on the pitch.
- Strategic Advantage: Defensively sound teams often have greater success in knockout stages, as they can rely on their ability to absorb pressure.
Future Implications for Celtic
This match has several implications for Celtic’s campaign in the Champions League:
- Learning Experience: The draw against Atalanta serves as a learning experience, providing valuable insights into defensive tactics that can be utilized in future matches.
- Increased Focus on Defense: Following this performance, Celtic is likely to focus more on defensive drills in training, aiming to replicate this success.
- Potential for Progress: With this draw, Celtic remains competitive in the group stage, keeping hopes alive for advancing to the knockout rounds.
Historical Context
The last time Celtic managed to keep a clean sheet in the Champions League was in October 2016, during a match against Manchester City. This long-awaited achievement highlights the team’s evolution and commitment to improving their defensive capabilities. The following are notable clean sheets in Celtic’s Champions League history:
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| October 24, 2016 | Manchester City | 0-0 |
| September 28, 2002 | FC Porto | 0-0 |
| November 25, 2003 | Barcelona | 0-0 |
| December 7, 2010 | FC Spartak Moscow | 2-0 |
What’s Next for Celtic?
Following this impressive defensive display, Celtic will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. Key considerations moving forward include:
- Focus on Midfield Control: Maintaining possession and controlling the midfield will be crucial against teams with strong attacking players.
- Incorporating Youth: Integrating younger players who have shown promise in recent matches could add fresh energy to the squad.
- Setting Goals: The coaching staff will likely set specific defensive and offensive goals for the next matches as they aim for a successful campaign.
Fan Reactions
The draw against Atalanta sparked a wave of enthusiasm among Celtic fans. Social media platforms were abuzz with positive comments:
- “a clean sheet! The defense was solid today!”
- “Proud of our boys! This performance shows the heart and determination of Celtic.”
- “Let’s build on this and aim for the knockout stages!”
Case Studies of Successful Defensive Teams
To further illustrate the importance of a strong defense in football, we can look at several successful teams known for their defensive stability:
- Atletico Madrid: Under Diego Simeone, they have become synonymous with defensive resilience, often winning matches with narrow margins.
- AC Milan: Historically, Milan has boasted some of the best defenders in football, leading to their success in both domestic and European competitions.
- Manchester City: With Pep Guardiola, City has developed a disciplined defensive unit that has been key to their recent successes.
Conclusion
Celtic’s 0-0 draw against Atalanta will be remembered as a significant milestone in the club’s European journey. The blend of tactical discipline, individual brilliance, and a passionate fanbase contributed to this memorable match. As the team looks ahead, there is a sense of optimism that this performance could be the foundation for further success in the Champions League.
