Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance in the Champions League, particularly after securing a valuable point against Atalanta in Bergamo. Following the match, Rodgers shared his delight over accumulating four points from the first three games, a tally that many Celtic fans would consider a promising start in a competitive group stage.
In a fixture marked by defensive resilience, Celtic held Atalanta to a goalless draw, with the Italian media dubbing the Scottish side a “Scottish rock.” This result came despite some initial concerns about fan enthusiasm leading up to the game, but the players delivered a disciplined performance, showcasing their tactical awareness and commitment.
Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was a key figure in the match, providing a steady presence between the posts. The defense was bolstered by a standout performance from Auston Trusty, whose contributions at center-half were crucial in thwarting the Italian side’s numerous attempts to find the back of the net. Throughout the match, Atalanta applied pressure, but Celtic’s organized defensive setup allowed them to maintain a clean sheet and secure a precious point on the road.
Reflecting on the group stage thus far, Rodgers remarked, “If you look at our first three games, to have four points out of that, I’m so, so happy with that.” He highlighted the quality of their opening match, noting the team’s brilliance against Borussia Dortmund, and acknowledged the lessons learned from that encounter. “We came away to a top team with big, big talents and kept a clean sheet and got a point,” he added, signaling confidence in his squad’s ability to compete at this level.
With five games remaining in the group stage, the focus now shifts to the next encounter against RB Leipzig. Following that, Celtic will host Club Brugge before traveling to Dinamo Zagreb just before Christmas. The final two fixtures will see the Bhoys play at home against Young Boys and conclude with an away match against Aston Villa, as they aim to secure a place in the last-16 play-offs.
The result in Bergamo not only boosts Celtic’s points tally but could prove crucial as they look to build momentum in the Champions League. With the supporters rallying behind the team, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the club’s European ambitions. As Rodgers prepares his squad for the upcoming challenges, the hope remains that they can capitalize on this foundation and achieve their goal of progressing further in the competition.
