“We knew it was going to be a tough game, so, we had to learn from Dortmund…” – Celtic star player reveals what led to a DRAW against Atalanta, rather than a LOSS; reveals the STYLE and TACTICS of game that was planned before the game.

Celtic’s recent Champions League draw with Atalanta has sparked analysis, with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel shedding light on how manager Brendan Rodgers adapted his strategy following their heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The 0-0 result at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo was a much-needed response, showcasing a new defensive resilience that Celtic had lacked in Germany.

Reflecting on the match, Schmeichel praised Celtic’s collective effort and Rodgers’ tactical adjustments. “We knew it was going to be a tough game,” Schmeichel told TNT Sports. “We had to learn from the Dortmund game, and we needed to defend for our lives. I’m very proud of the boys; it was an incredible defensive performance.” This approach helped Celtic secure a point against one of Europe’s highest-scoring teams, and Schmeichel’s pride was evident as he described the squad’s disciplined and resilient display.

Asked to highlight what set this match apart from the Dortmund defeat, Schmeichel explained that Celtic adopted a more “practical approach” against Atalanta. “We took fewer risks in the buildup play due to Atalanta’s man-to-man system,” he noted. “A few times we managed to exploit that, but it’s always difficult coming away from home in Europe against such an aggressive team.”

The practical approach was a deliberate choice by Rodgers, who aimed to strike a balance between caution and attacking principles. Known for his emphasis on offensive play, Rodgers felt vindicated in his approach and took a moment in the post-match press conference to address media criticisms that had called for a more pragmatic style. “We maintained our attacking identity while being defensively sound,” Rodgers emphasized, subtly acknowledging the lessons from their earlier defeat in Germany.

The defensive discipline shown in Italy allowed Celtic to limit Atalanta’s scoring opportunities, a feat considering Atalanta’s impressive home record. For Celtic, the draw serves as a critical point in their Champions League campaign, positioning them above notable teams like Bayern Munich, AC Milan, and Atletico Madrid in the standings—teams that have also faced their own challenges in Europe’s elite competition this season.

Schmeichel’s reflections capture a positive moment for Celtic, as they adapt and strengthen under Rodgers’ guidance. With this point in hand, Celtic now turns their focus to the rest of the group stage, aiming to build on the resilience shown in Bergamo.