Johan Mjallby called it a bonus point, and when the dust settles on the Champions League’s first season with the one big group, that point could be regarded as extra-special in propelling Celtic up the table and through to the knockout rounds…
Atalanta 0-0 Celtic – A result that sets us up for a run of favourable fixtures in the Champions League
Against all the odds, Brendan Rodgers side gained a “bonus point,” as summed up by ex-defender Johan Mjallby in his post-match analysis. Not many people believed the Hoops could go to Atalanta and return to Glasgow with any points. A respectable defeat seemed to be the sentiment.
Accumulating four points from three matches, two of which coming against arguably the hardest opponents in Celtic’s run of fixtures is more than credible. Five games left, three at home. With Opta analysis predicting nine points should be enough to qualify for a play-off spot, Brendan Rodgers’ team have put themselves in an incredible position.
Leipzig at home awaits in match-day four, setting up an intriguing encounter with the Germans, who have lost their first three matches in Europe’s elite club competition. It is the three games after our clash with Leipzig that Celtic will be looking to take a bulk of their points from.
Club Brugge, followed by a trip to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb in December and then BSC Young Boys at the beginning of next year. Winnable ties. Concerns were highlighted post-Dortmund that the 7-1 thrashing could deflate confidence, and effect morale. It possibly did, with performances domestically thereafter dipping below standard. However, a 0-0 draw at the home of the Europa League winners will give the players huge belief they can be victorious in each of our remaining games.
This feeling of optimism is not a regular emotion for supporters in the Champions League, so lap it up whilst you can, Celts!
Conor Spence
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