Stats: Celtic's 0-0 Draw at Atalanta in Champions League
Celtic earned a hard-fought point in a goalless draw against Atalanta in their Champions League Group F clash at the Gewiss Stadium. The match was a tense affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Here's a look at the key stats from the game:
Dominant Possession, but Lacking Creativity
- Possession: Atalanta (59.6%) - Celtic (40.4%)
- Shots: Atalanta (15) - Celtic (8)
- Shots on Target: Atalanta (3) - Celtic (2)
Despite dominating possession, Atalanta failed to convert their advantage into goals. Celtic's defense was resolute, limiting the home side to just three shots on target. While Celtic's possession was significantly lower, their 8 shots show they were not simply content to sit back and defend.
Defensive Masterclass from Celtic
- Tackles: Celtic (21) - Atalanta (13)
- Interceptions: Celtic (10) - Atalanta (7)
- Clearances: Celtic (22) - Atalanta (14)
The Celtic defense was the key to their point in Bergamo. They consistently frustrated the Atalanta attack, winning more tackles and interceptions than their opponents. Their ability to break up play and clear their lines was crucial in preventing Atalanta from finding a breakthrough.
Frustrating Evening for Both Sides
- Yellow Cards: Celtic (4) - Atalanta (2)
- Fouls: Celtic (15) - Atalanta (10)
The match was a physical encounter, with both sides picking up numerous fouls. Celtic's four yellow cards demonstrate their eagerness to disrupt Atalanta's attacking moves. This physicality, while necessary, also contributed to the lack of clear-cut chances for both teams.
A Valuable Point on the Road
While Celtic will be disappointed not to have taken all three points, the draw in Bergamo is a valuable result. It keeps them in the hunt for a top-two finish in the group, with their next Champions League fixture against Borussia Dortmund at Celtic Park. They'll need to build on their defensive strength and improve their attacking efficiency if they want to secure another positive result against the German giants.