Celtic are in Champions League dreamland after finishing week one of the new format second place in the league phase table.
Only Bayern Munich bettered the Bhoys’ result with a 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena, leading to the Croatian outfit sacking Sergej Jakirovic before they meet Celtic in December.
Brendan Rodgers will have taken time to savour his side’s dominant win over Slovan Bratislava, but the Irishman will also have an eye on how the standings are shaping up and what is to come next.
Tougher tests lie ahead for Celtic where their capabilities on the continent will be tested. Borussia Dortmund away is up next before a double-header against Atalanta and RB Leipzig sets the tone of how many points may be needed to secure progress.
With the Champions League draw throwing up some compelling fixtures, here’s how both sides in question fared on matchday one.
Atalanta hold firm against Arsenal, denied stunning victory
Last night, Atalanta took on Arsenal at Gewiss Stadium and ended up the dominant side against Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title challengers.
Per Fotmob, the home side held the majority of possession and created 1.20 Expected Goals from eight shots across the piece. However, they will have left the affair in disbelief after being denied all three points in spectacular fashion.
Earning a spot-kick, Mateo Retegui saw his effort saved by David Raya but looked for all the world like he would convert the rebound with his head from close range.
Despite this, the Gunners’ stopper somehow reacted to produce one of the all-time great Champions League saves before the ball was turned out for a corner, meaning a share of the spoils for Atalanta on matchday one.
Nevertheless, the result is still a good one for last year’s Europa League winners, and they will hope to build on a promising showing against one of the finest sides in the world.
RB Leipzig show danger in Madrid, eventually suffer heartbreak
RB Leipzig are another opponent that Celtic won’t take lightly in the league phase, and it is easy to see why, given they came inches away from claiming a point against Atletico Madrid at Metropolitano Stadium.
Benjamin Sesko put the visitors into an early lead in the Spanish capital. However, Antoine Griezmann pulled the home side back into it just before the half-hour mark.
In the end, Jose Maria Gimenez was to be the hero, climbing highest to glance home on the 90th-minute mark, sparking scenes of jubilation as Diego Simeone’s men claimed their first Champions League victory of the campaign.
Regardless of suffering heartbreak on matchday one, RB Leipzig will feel emboldened to go on and pick up points across the league phase, but both results in question do hand Celtic a slight advantage.
The Bhoys end the week second in the table with a net positive goal difference of four. Early momentum is on their side, so hopefully, Rodgers can help his side exceed expectations over the coming matches.
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