Celtic had to show bravery away at Atalanta this evening and they did just that.
It certainly wasn’t a naive showing from Brendan Rodgers’ side like perhaps they showed in Dortmund on matchday two.
Instead it was a composed, professional, stout and physical performance in Bergamo as they frustrated their hosts and manager Gian Piero Gasperini who was pacing the touchline for 90 minutes.
It must be said, the Black and Blues dominated possession and chances created. They had numerous opportunities at Kasper Schmeichel’s goal.
The Danish goalkeeper put in a shift to keep what could be a valuable clean sheet while the defenders in front of him were, at times, fantastic.
Chances were created by the likes of Ademola Lookman, Davide Zappacosta and Mario Pasalic with the latter in particular clattering the crossbar with a header.
Then he was left cursing Schmeichel who made a stunning stop to keep him out with his legs.
Adam Idah up the other end had no real opportunities of his own and, in fact, found it difficult to hold the ball up and bring teammates into the game with the strength of his opposition shutting him down.
Only an Arne Engels effort from outside the area in the first-half really challenged goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi but even then it was from distance and really summed up the evening from an attacking perspective.
It was a Herculean defensive effort from Celtic and one that earned the point they came away with.
An optimistic result. A positive one.
Here 67 Hail Hail takes a look at the player ratings for the evening.
Celtic player ratings vs Atalanta
Kasper Schmeichel – 8
Kept Celtic in the game before the break with at least two significant stops. One from a corner in particular showed terrific reflexes. Distribution was decent but, at times, put his side under pressure.
Alistair Johnston – 6
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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