Atalanta manager makes bold Celtic claim after goalless draw

It is not often that Celtic fans are happy about a draw but the result against Atalanta, away in Italy, is an exception to the norm. The Hoops had a point to prove after losing 7-1 against Borussia Dortmund in their previous Champions League outing. Could they keep up with the top teams in Europe? Brendan Rodgers' side put in a determined defensive display and came out of the game with a point.

Considering Arsenal managed the same result against Atalanta last month, that has to go down as a positive for Celtic. After three Champions League games, the Hoops have four points.

That leaves them in a strong position to make it to the next phase of the competition. Out of their remaining five games in the Champions League, three can be considered winnable, at least on paper.

Gian Piero Gasperini admitted after the game that he had never seen Celtic defend like this in the past and praised the Hoops. As reported by TuttoMercatoWeb, the Atalanta manager told Sky Sport:

"Celtic defended very well, I've never seen them so closed up."

Atalanta manager makes bold Celtic claim after draw

Of course, Celtic fans will not be wanting to see such defensive displays in every game. But on the right occasion, it can certainly be useful.

If the Hoops are to show progress at the Champions League level, they will need to put in these kind of performances from time to time. You can see the difference between their display against Borussia Dortmund just a few weeks back and this one. It was night and day.

Of course, the focus now shifts back to domestic competition. Surprisingly, Aberdeen have proven to be Celtic's closest competitor in Scotland this season, with the Rangers struggling to keep once again. The Hoops will be looking to open up a gap at the top as soon as possible.