Atalanta’s stunning 3-0 away victory against Napoli this weekend in Serie A puts Celtic’s 0-0 draw in Bergamo into perspective.
Atalanta close the gap
A double from Adeloma Lookman with Mateo Retugu also netting propelled Gian Piero Gasperini’s side to third place in Italy’s top flight. Atalanta are now only three points off league leaders Napoli who have a slim lead at the foot of the table.
An historic thumping win at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium yesterday morning puts Gasperini’s men right back into the spotlight of becoming a firm favourite of clinching a Serie A for the very first time in their history.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic
It was only a fortnight ago Celtic rocked up to the home of the current Europa League holders and snatched a point whilst keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Notably, Atalanta have only failed to score on three occasions at the Gewiss Stadium this calendar year. The opposition were Liverpool, Arsenal and Celtic. Brendan Rodgers’ side are in good company.
Pulling off that monumental result against this season’s Serie A’s leading goalscorers gives Celtic a major confidence boost heading into a tough fixture against RB Leipzig tomorrow night.
Celtic have beaten RB Leipzig before
However, despite being underdogs, the players have proven the mental capacity of playing against elite players. They will need to do it again versus RB Leipzig in order to pull off a memorable result.
Previously, the Germans done the double over Celtic in the 2022/2023 Champions League campaign. Most recently, Celtic were beaten 2-0 by Leipzig at Parkhead two years ago. However, in season 2018/2019, Brendan Rodgers overcame Ralf Ragnick’s side to win 2-1 in Glasgow’s East End as an Odsonne Edouard winner resulted in the Hoops sealing an all-important three points in the context of the groups.
A firework display from Celtic
Celtic will need to replicate that calibre of performance if they are to take points in this upcoming encounter. With a big performance required, a rockus atmosphere awaits the players in what will hopefully be a firework display for the Scottish champions.
Conor Spence
Celtic in The Thirties – out tomorrow!
Matt Corr’s highly anticipated Celtic in the Thirties (Volumes One & Two) are published tomorrow on Celtic Star Books. Order your copies today and receive signed copies which will be posted on Wednesday morning. Order at celticstarbooks.com
