Brendan Rodgers’ team didn’t put on a dazzling display like they might have on matchday two at Dortmund.
Instead, they irritated their hosts and manager Gian Piero Gasperini, who was pacing the touchline for ninety minutes, with a calm, professional, stout, and muscular performance in Bergamo.
The Black and Blues, it must be noted, controlled possession and generated many opportunities. They had multiple chances at the goal of Kasper Schmeichel.
While the defenders in front of him were occasionally outstanding, the Danish custodian worked hard to preserve what could have been a valuable clean sheet.
Ademola Lookman, Davide Zappacosta, and Mario Pasalic, in particular, generated chances by clattering the crossbar with a header.
Schmeichel then made a spectacular stop to keep him out with his legs, leaving him to curse.
With his opponents’ strength shutting him down, Adam Idah at the other end had no genuine opportunities of his own and really struggled to hold the ball up and bring teammates into the game.
The only serious test to custodian Marco Carnesecchi in the first half came from an outside shot by Arne Engels, but even that came from a distance and perfectly captured the attacking spirit of the game.
Celtic put up an incredible defensive display that was worthy of the point they ultimately secured.
A hopeful outcome. A good one.
This is 67 Hail Hail’s analysis of the evening’s player ratings.Celtic player ratings vs Atalanta
Was booked early on but it didn’t really change his game too much. Made some big clearances and important tackles at vital times.
Auston Trusty – 8
Won the vast majority of his aerial battles and was often the man in the middle hoofing the ball anywhere to clear. Hardly put a foot wrong.
Liam Scales – 8
Stood up well at the back alongside Trusty as he seemed to keep Mateo Retegui relatively quiet in the battle. Prevented a one vs one on 75 minutes with a full-blooded challenge.
Alex Valle – 6
Attempted to get forward but was too often pinned back simply by how the game played out. Did have one or two moments to link with Daizen and had a shot tipped over.
Callum McGregor – 7
Won a number of challenges and attempted to get the ball moving in a forward direction. Did concede possession a few times too many but he had a job in keeping his teammates as high as possible.
Reo Hatate – 6
Not known for his defensive work but he did it well enough this evening. Not at his usual creative best in attacking intent but did the job he was asked to do.
Arne Engels – 6
Had a shot from distance kept out in the first-half but was kept quiet otherwise. His set-piece deliveries weren’t great.
Daizen Maeda – 6
Constant runner and, as we already know, was always willing to push his marker and try to sprint in behind. Again, though, was used more defensively as the match progressed.
Nicolas Kuhn – 6
Defender Sead Kolasinac had the beating of the German this evening as his direct running wasn’t quite enough to challenge the former Arsenal man. Did win a few set-pieces with his efforts but wasn’t as effective as he’d have liked.
Adam Idah – 5
It was a thankless task for the hitman, it must be said. Struggled to hold the ball up at times and didn’t really have a chance at goal of note.
Paulo Bernardo (sub) – 4
Kept hold of the ball at important times and tried to get forward.
Kyogo (sub) – 4
Created more than Idah did in the cameo he managed.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 3
Kept his team’s momentum in the midfield going and ran around.
Luis Palma (sub) – 2
Didn’t have time to establish himself.
James Forrest (sub) – 2
Like the rest of his team he worked hard when he came on.
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