A disciplined Celtic side bounced back from their Dortmund drubbing with a resolute 0-0 draw in Bergamo, frustrating Atalanta in a game of missed chances.

Celtic put in a gritty performance to secure a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League, their first clean sheet in the competition in seven years. Brendan Rodgers’ side, still smarting from a 7-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund, showed their defensive mettle as they kept the reigning Europa League champions at bay in a tense encounter in Bergamo.

The Scottish champions had been under pressure to deliver a response following their bruising loss in Germany. Rodgers opted for a deep defensive setup, ensuring his team would not suffer a similar fate against an Atalanta side known for their attacking prowess. The result was a dogged display that saw Celtic repel wave after wave of Italian attacks, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

Speaking after the match, Rodgers praised his team’s resilience: “It gives them the confidence that they can defend against a top team. We needed to show character after Dortmund, and we did that tonight.”

While Celtic will take heart from the clean sheet, Atalanta will rue their inability to capitalise on a number of golden opportunities. Mario Pašalić, in particular, had a night to forget, squandering five big chances. In doing so, he became only the fifth player in the last 13 seasons of the Champions League to miss so many clear opportunities in a single game.

The match began with Atalanta on the front foot, dominating possession and looking to unlock Celtic’s defence. Despite the pressure, the Hoops stayed compact and disciplined, absorbing the early onslaught with relative comfort. The Italians’ best chance of the first half came through Pašalić, who found himself unmarked in the box but fired straight at Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart. It was a sign of things to come for the Croatian midfielder.

As the game progressed, Atalanta continued to push forward, with captain Marten de Roon pulling the strings in midfield. However, their finishing lacked the clinical edge needed to break Celtic’s stubborn defence. Pašalić, again, should have done better with a header from close range, but his effort sailed harmlessly over the bar.

For Celtic, it wasn’t just about defending. They managed a few forays forward, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda providing outlets on the counter. However, genuine chances were few and far between, as the focus remained firmly on keeping Atalanta at bay.

Rodgers made it clear after the game that the performance was all about being pragmatic: “I’m not sure whether that was pragmatic enough for people. I don’t know, but we go out in every game to be structured and defend well.”

Despite their dominance, Atalanta couldn’t find a way through, and their frustration was palpable as the match wore on. Pašalić’s struggles in front of the goal encapsulated their night. His final miss, a glaring one-on-one chance late in the second half, was met with groans from the stands, as the Italians realised it wasn’t going to be their night.

The defensive masterclass from Celtic was underpinned by the experience of Hart, who marshalled his backline with authority. The former England international, often criticised for his consistency in recent years, rolled back the years with a commanding performance, making several key saves to deny Atalanta.

In the dying minutes, the Italian side threw everything at Celtic, with even goalkeeper Juan Musso venturing forward for a late corner. Yet, the Scottish champions held firm, earning a valuable point and a much-needed morale boost after their recent European woes.

Atalanta, meanwhile, will feel they let two points slip away, especially given the number of chances they created. The result leaves them in a precarious position in the group, as they chase qualification to the knockout stages.

For Celtic, the result is a confidence-building one, particularly after the disappointment of Dortmund. While they remain outsiders in the group, the draw in Bergamo will give them hope as they continue their European campaign. Rodgers, too, will be buoyed by the resilience his side showed, especially considering the magnitude of their last defeat.

As the final whistle blew, Celtic’s travelling support erupted in celebration, knowing their team had finally managed to secure a long-awaited Champions League clean sheet. It may not have been the most glamorous performance, but it was undoubtedly a crucial one for a side looking to make their mark on the European stage.

Looking ahead, Celtic will now focus on maintaining this defensive solidity as they prepare for their next group fixture. Rodgers will be eager to see if his side can build on this performance and perhaps even spring a surprise as the group stages continue.

Atalanta, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and find a solution to their finishing woes if they hope to progress further in the tournament.