CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers hailed his battling Celtic players after the scoreless stalemate against Atalanta in Bergamo.
Following the demolition in Dortmund, the team produced a marvellous backs-to-the-wall performance against the Europa League winners to gain their fourth point in the new-look Champions League.
The Hoops, pilloried from all quarters after the 7-1 loss and display against the Bundesliga outfit three weeks ago, gathered together to lock out the Italians on an evening when they gallantly answered the call to restore the Celtic name at the elite level.
Kasper Schmeichel showed his class with some timely save on the occasion his defence was breached by skilful and willing opponents.
HAIL, HAIL…Brendan Rodgers praises his players as he talks to Celtic TV.
There wasn’t a failure in sight with some players – such as Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda on the flanks – ditching their natural attacking instincts to offer cover at the back.
It was a heartwarming and resilient showing that gives the Parkhead men hope to progress in Europe’s most prestigious competition.
A beaming Rodgers said: “We’ve come to a team who are the highest scorers in Italian football. And you know they’re going to be one of the leading contenders for this competition.
“Right up until the 95th minute of the game, they kept fighting and I’m so proud of them.
“I’ve said it before, we deserve to be here. What went against us in Dortmund were the things you can’t control.
“That’s refereeing decisions, luck that goes against you, and that culminated in four goals against us in Dortmund, so that was a challenge.
“But there’s never any doubt with this team. We knew we would have to defend in the game manfully and have really good organisation and concentration.
“The commitment was at the highest level. Overall, it’s a fantastic point for us.”
ON THE RUN…Daizen Maeda and Atalanta defender Berat Djmsiti in a race for the ball.
Singling out the central defensive partnership of Liam Scales and Auston Trusty for special mention, Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “I thought they were absolutely brilliant.
“When you come away against a team of Atalanta’s physicality, your centre-backs have to stand up and be counted.
“I thought that both of those guys made great blocks and headers – and Kasper again made some really clean saves, as well.
“As a defensive unit, we were very strong and very committed.”
Celtic can now plan for back-to-back home fixtures against RB Leipzig on November 5 and Club Brugge 22 days later as the European adventure continues.
CELTIC PROVE POINT IN ITALIAN JOB
