Atalanta 0-0 Celtic PLAYER RATINGS: How was a clean sheet secured? Who was a tower of strength? Which young player took a big step forward?
A brave defensive performance answered Celtic’s critics and earned them a precious Champions League point against Atalanta in Bergamo.
Accused of being naive in their 7-1 thrashing of Borussia Dortmund, the Scottish champions showed they had learned their lesson with a pragmatic performance full of courage and discipline.
Brendan Rodgers’ side were under prolonged pressure but they held firm to improve their chances of progressing in the tournament. PAUL FORSYTH assesses individual performance.
Defender Auston Trusty dealt with almost everything that came his way in Bergamo
Kasper Schmeichel made a series of solid saves to earn Celtic a precious draw against Atalanta
Liam Scales is congratulated by his manager, Brendan Rodgers, for his contribution to the clean sheet
Kasper Schmeichel-8
He handled everything that came his way comfortably. Made a series of solid saves, especially to deny Pasalic.
Alistair Johnston-7
Had trouble stopping Zappacosta’s many dangerous crosses at the source in the first half, but dug in hard to win his duels.
Auston Trusty-8
He passed a rigorous aerial test with flying colors as ball after ball came his way. He’s got his head on almost everything.
Liam Schalen – 8
Exerting himself to the utmost, stood up against the barrage of crosses and cut out one that Retegui was willing to convert.
Alex Valle-7
As the match progressed, the youngster’s confidence grew. His left-footed shot was deflected by the goalkeeper.
Arne Engels-6
Didn’t have enough ball to exert his usual influence. A curling shot from the first half was parried by the goalkeeper.
Callum McGregor-7
Showed a different side to his game on a demanding evening, overseeing Pasalic and others in defence.
Reo Hatate-6
Worked hard and put our heads up where possible and tried to release a winger on the counter-attack.
Nicolas Kuhn-7
Dangerously fast on the break, especially when he stormed past Ederson. Defensively things gradually improved.
Adam Ida-6
Gave Celtic the best chance to build attacks by coming up short and keeping the ball up. Fed with leftovers.
Daizen Maeda-7
They gave it their all and showed glimpses of threat when the opportunity arose. With one counter and a cross, Idah was almost picked out.
REPLACEMENTS
Kyogo Furuhashi (Ida, 67min)
Paulo Bernardo (Hate, 67)
Luis Palma (Maeda, 74))
Luke McCowan (English, 74)
James Forrest (Kuhn 81)
Not used: Sinisalo, Bain, Yang, Nawrocki, Ralston, Welsh.
BRENDAN RODGERS 7
Saw his team execute the game plan to perfection.
ATLANTA
(3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi 6; Djimsiti 6, Hien 7, Kolasinac 6 (Ruggeri 78min); Bellanova 6 (Samardzic 58), De Roon 7, Ederson 6, Zappacosta 7; Pasalic 6 (Zaniolo 78); Retegui 5 (De Ketelaere 58,), Lookman 7 (Cuadrado 69).
Referee: Irfan Peljto (BIH) 6