The pre-match narrative over tactics and styles were strong-armed to one side in Bergamo.
Brendan Rodgers’ style was all substance as his gutsy heroes left Atalanta scoreless to secure a vital draw in their quest to reach the playoff round of the mammoth Champions League revamp. A top 24 place is the target and that pursuit is on ahead of home clashes with Leipzig and Brugge. Rodgers was chuffed as his side kept Ademola Lookman and Co wanting.
Former Celtic star John Hartson insisted it was a “heroic defensive display from Celtic”, and that was echoed by pundits across Britain who loved what Rodgers’ side showed against an Atalanta side who were expected to rack up the goal. Here is what is being said about the Hoops.
Martin Keown
“100 per cent (Rodgers changed his ways). They definitely sat much deeper, it was very reminiscent of the way Arsenal played and hung on for large periods. Celtic, almost, made easy work of it. That does a lot for their confidence.”
Chris Sutton
“No celebrating a draw like others do… but a brave, organised 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.”
Don Hutchison
“Fascinating. It was probably the right thing to do, to add a bit of balance. And, all of a sudden, after it was all doom and gloom after getting battered against Dortmund. Everyone, myself included, thought Atalanta would have been too strong, that is a very good point, four points after three was a very good return.
Joe Hart
“They’ve done so well tonight. So many moments in that game it felt like the pressure was similar to the Dortmund game. Dortmund got out of control very quickly, but this time Celtic could deal with the chaos, win the big headers, got a little bit of luck, and some big saves from Schmeichel. Once it got through to 70 minutes it felt like Atalanta ran out of ideas. Celtic as a complete squad, brilliant effort. Defensively they were absolutely brilliant tonight”
Neil Lennon
“I think it’s one of the best results in Brendan Rodgers’ career. They have proven tonight they can go away from home and dig out a result.”
Johan Mjallby
“It is in my eyes [bonus point] before the draw we knew Dortmund and Atalanta would be two very difficult away games. Now this must give the squad and manager so much confidence. Defensively they were fantastic. It is great to see you know. This is the way you need to play. I love it, I love it. Away against really, really tough and strong teams like Atalanta you need to suffer a lot and defend bravely in the way the players did.”