The task ahead of Celtic: can they prove their Champions League mettle?
As the Scottish giants prepare to face the formidable Atalanta in Bergamo, questions still linger about Brendan Rodgers’ approach to the elite club competition. Despite the convincing 7-1 thrashing by Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, Rodgers has maintained his attacking principles will remain intact, even against an Atalanta side that boasts the top scorers in Serie A this season.
If the Champions League has often proven a different beast for Celtic on the road, Rodgers’ faith in his philosophy may be tested this evening. The manager’s resolve will be put to the test as his side tries to find a way to breakdown the opposition’s solid defense.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have made just one change from the side that dispatched Venezia 2-0 at the weekend, with Sead Kolasinac slotting in for Charles De Ketelaere. Ben Godfrey is on the bench, poised to make an impact if needed. The hosts have named a robust lineup, with Carnesecchi, Hien, Djimisti, Kolasinac, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta, Pasalic, Lookman, and Retegui all set to take the field.
Celtic, for their part, have made three changes to the side that was outmatched in Dortmund, with Alex Valle replacing the injured Greg Taylor at left-back, Reo Hatate coming in for Paulo Bernardo in midfield, and Adam Idah partnering Maeda up front. Despite defender Cameron Carter-Vickers’ absence, it’s largely the same team that held Aberdeen to a 2-2 draw at Parkhead over the weekend. A return to the familiar 4-3-3 formation sees Schmeichel, Trusty, Valle, Scales, Johnston, McGregor, Hatate, Kuhn, Maeda, and Idah take the field.
As the managers’ decisions are set to be put to the test, it’s unclear what combination of strategy and skill will ultimately produce the desired result. Will Rodgers’ faith in his attacking tactics pay off, or will Atalanta’s defensively solid unit prove too resilient? The tension builds as the two teams take to the pitch, with the stakes high in what promises to be a gripping encounter.
