Atalanta 0-0 Celtic: Stats From Goalless Draw
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off tie between Atalanta and Celtic ended in a goalless draw at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy. Despite a dominant performance from the hosts, Celtic held firm defensively and frustrated the Italian side. This deadlock sets up a tense second leg at Celtic Park next week.
A Tight Encounter:
The match was a tactical battle from the start, with both sides wary of conceding an early goal. Atalanta, known for their attacking prowess, dominated possession and created numerous chances. Celtic, on the other hand, relied on a compact defense and occasional counter-attacks.
Key Statistics:
Here are some key statistics from the match:
- Possession: Atalanta 65%, Celtic 35%
- Shots: Atalanta 17, Celtic 4
- Shots on target: Atalanta 6, Celtic 1
- Corners: Atalanta 8, Celtic 2
- Fouls: Atalanta 14, Celtic 12
Atalanta's Dominance:
Atalanta dominated the match in terms of possession and shots, but they struggled to find a way past Celtic's resolute defense. They had a number of clear-cut chances, but Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart was in inspired form, making a series of crucial saves.
Celtic's Defensive Resilience:
Celtic's defense was the key to their success. They were well-organized and disciplined, limiting Atalanta's attacking threat. Joe Hart's performance was crucial, but the entire backline deserves credit for their resilience.
The Second Leg:
The goalless draw sets up a fascinating second leg at Celtic Park next week. Atalanta will be looking to break down Celtic's defense, but they will need to be wary of the threat of a counter-attack. Celtic, on the other hand, will be confident of holding their own and maybe even scoring an away goal.
Conclusion:
The first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off tie between Atalanta and Celtic was a tense and tactical encounter. Atalanta dominated possession and created numerous chances, but Celtic's defense was resolute and Joe Hart was in inspired form. The draw sets up a thrilling second leg at Celtic Park next week, with both sides having a chance to progress.