Sport Nation 2Celtic’s goalless draw against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on October 23, 2024, was a display of pragmatism and defensive resilience—exactly what many fans had been calling for. Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, Celtic delivered a performance built on organization and discipline, securing a crucial point on the road in Italy. While it might not have been a thrilling result, it was a vital one as Celtic continue their quest to advance to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier competition.
Tactical Changes and Defensive Focus
One of the key talking points heading into the match was the lineup. Rodgers made a tactical decision to start Adam Idah upfront instead of Kyogo Furuhashi, the Japanese forward who had been in fine form, scoring and assisting in Celtic’s previous Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen. The decision to leave Kyogo on the bench signaled a clear shift in approach from the Celtic manager. Idah, known for his physicality and hold-up play, was better suited to the task of leading the line against Atalanta’s high-pressing defense.
This pragmatic approach was necessary, especially in light of Celtic’s defensive struggles in their previous Champions League outing. The 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Borussia Dortmund left serious doubts over the team’s ability to compete at this level, particularly without key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. Celtic’s defense had been exposed in Germany, and fans were understandably concerned about a repeat performance.
However, Rodgers and his team appeared to have learned valuable lessons from the defeat. The defensive duo of Liam Scales and Auston Trusty, who were thrust into the spotlight due to Carter-Vickers’ absence, rose to the occasion with a superb performance against Atalanta. Trusty and Scales were instrumental in keeping the Italian side at bay, making crucial interceptions and last-ditch tackles throughout the match.
Chris Sutton’s Reaction
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton was quick to share his thoughts on the match, offering praise for the team’s defensive performance. Sutton, now a well-known pundit, tweeted his immediate reaction following the final whistle:
“No celebrating a draw like others do… but a brave, organized defensive display from Celtic… Schmeichel a top-class goalkeeper and some of the last-ditch defending was excellent from Trusty and Scales. A bit of pragmatism from Brendan Rodgers playing Idah up top 👏👏☘️”
Sutton’s comments reflected the sentiment shared by many Celtic supporters. The draw against Atalanta wasn’t a result to celebrate wildly, but it was one to be proud of. After such a heavy defeat against Dortmund, the performance in Italy showed marked improvement. Celtic were disciplined, compact, and difficult to break down, displaying the kind of defensive grit that is essential in Europe’s top competition.
Valuable Lessons Learned
The contrast between Celtic’s performances against Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta was stark. In Germany, they were picked apart by a ruthless Dortmund attack, but in Italy, they managed to frustrate a strong Atalanta side. The goalless draw represented a much-needed bounce-back, and it showed that Celtic were capable of adapting their approach to suit the occasion.
Rodgers deserves credit for the tactical adjustments he made. Celtic’s decision to sit deeper and absorb pressure, rather than try to match Atalanta in an open game, was a key factor in their success. It was a demonstration of the kind of pragmatism that is often necessary in the Champions League, especially for a team like Celtic, which does not have the same financial resources or squad depth as some of Europe’s elite clubs.
For the players, the draw was a significant confidence boost. After the Dortmund humiliation, it would have been easy for the team to crumble under the pressure of another tough away match. Instead, they showed resilience and determination, proving that they could compete at this level.
Defensive Standouts: Trusty and Scales
Auston Trusty and Liam Scales were two of the standout performers on the night. Trusty, who had faced some criticism in recent weeks, delivered a commanding display at the heart of the defense. His reading of the game and ability to make crucial clearances were vital in keeping Atalanta at bay. Scales, too, was excellent, showing composure and maturity beyond his years in dealing with Atalanta’s physical and technical forwards.
The duo’s performance was particularly impressive given the absence of Cameron Carter-Vickers, who is widely regarded as Celtic’s best defender. Filling the void left by Carter-Vickers was never going to be easy, but Trusty and Scales stepped up when it mattered most, helping to secure a clean sheet that few would have predicted before the match.
A Crucial Point in the Group
Celtic’s point against Atalanta could prove invaluable in the context of their Champions League campaign. With each point hard to come by at this level, getting a result away from home is always a positive. More importantly, it keeps Celtic in the mix for qualification to the knockout stages. After three group-stage matches, the Hoops have four points, leaving them in a decent position heading into the final three fixtures.
The next few games will be critical for Celtic’s chances of progressing. They will need to continue to show the same defensive resilience and tactical discipline, particularly in their upcoming matches against RB Leipzig and Atalanta again at home. These games will determine whether Celtic can secure a place in the last 16 or if they will be relegated to the Europa League.
Looking Forward: Building on the Result
The draw against Atalanta should serve as a foundation for Celtic to build upon in their remaining fixtures. It’s clear that the team is capable of competing at this level, but they will need to maintain their focus and continue to improve if they are to achieve their goals. For Brendan Rodgers, the challenge will be to strike the right balance between defense and attack, ensuring that Celtic remain solid at the back while also posing a threat going forward.
With players like Kyogo, who was rested for the Atalanta match, Celtic have the firepower to trouble their opponents. But as the draw in Italy showed, sometimes pragmatism and defensive discipline are the keys to success in Europe.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
Celtic’s goalless draw against Atalanta was far from a thrilling spectacle, but it was a result that could prove crucial in the club’s Champions League campaign. The performance was a marked improvement from the heavy defeat against Borussia Dortmund, and it showed that Brendan Rodgers’ side has the ability to compete against tough opposition.
Chris Sutton’s reaction summed up the feelings of many Celtic fans: it wasn’t a cause for celebration, but it was a performance to be proud of. With key players like Trusty and Scales stepping up in defense, Celtic now have a platform to build on as they continue their European journey. The road ahead is still challenging, but with results like this, Celtic are showing that they belong at this level.
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