Atalanta BC vs Celtic FC: A Champions League Clash to Watch – Match Preview, Key Players, and Predictions

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This week, the UEFA Champions League group stage continues with a mouth-watering match between Italian outfit Atalanta BC and Scottish champions Celtic FC at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. Both teams have intentions of firming up their campaigns in the premier continental competition, but with contrasting domestic forms and recent European experiences, the clash will be a fascinating test for the two sides.

Atalanta’s Recent Form: Rediscovering Momentum

Atalanta BC, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, has rediscovered its attacking verve after a shaky start to the season. Currently sixth in Serie A, they head into this match on the back of a three-match winning streak across all competitions, showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Atalanta’s European Journey So Far

The Italians started the Champions League campaign with a goalless draw against Arsenal, followed by an emphatic 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. These results put Atalanta in a privileged position in the group, since after two games, they are leading with four points. The win over Shakhtar came through Berat Djimsiti, Ademola Lookman, and Raoul Bellanova, underlining how well this team is able to make their mark on the pitch within the first minutes.

Notably, Atalanta seek a second successive Champions League win for the first time since March 2020. Gasperini's team has become used to thriving on the European stage, having reached the Europa League final last season which they won, thanks in no small way to Lookman's heroics.

Celtic’s Struggles in Europe: A Story of Contrasts

While Atalanta comes into the game in fine fettle, the road for Celtic FC has been altogether more erratic through domestic and European competition. Brendan Rodgers' side opened their Champions League campaign in style with a pulsating 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava to give the Hoops hope of a decent run. Those hopes were quickly brought back down to earth during their next fixture, as Borussia Dortmund tore them apart 7-1 in Germany. That humbling defeat has left Celtic with work to do if they are to progress from the group stage.

Defensive Fragility

One of Celtic's biggest issues in recent years has been their defensive fragility on the European stage. Since the 2022-23 season, the Scottish champions have conceded more goals than any other team in the Champions League. Equally worrying is the away record in this competition, where they have lost eight out of the last nine matches away from home, conceding an average of four goals per game. This trend will definitely be one of the key headaches for Rodgers as his side prepares to take on a potent Atalanta attack.

Tactical Preview: Atalanta’s Versatile Attack vs. Celtic’s Fragile Defense

This is tactically a really interesting encounter, as Atalanta's success under Gasperini has been built on a fluid, high-pressing system, an emphasis on quick transitions, and attacking wing-backs. The Italians will look to exploit Celtic's defensive weaknesses: high up the pitch, especially in the wide areas, with Zappacosta and Ruggeri pushing up to create overloads.

The partnership of Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman has also been vital in attack. Retegui, currently the top scorer in Serie A with eight goals, will lead the line, with Lookman's creativity and penchant for scoring at crucial times very important. He has been directly involved in eight goals in his last five European starts and might prove decisive in breaking down Celtic's backline.

Celtic, meanwhile, will likely take a more pragmatic approach as the idea is going to be importantly tight at the back and hoping to hit Atalanta on the counter-attack. All of which makes Kyogo Furuhashi and particularly Daizen Maeda key to such plans, with the latter looking to continue his hot streak in Europe, having netted in both of Celtic's last two Champions League games.

Key Players to Watch

Atalanta BC

• Mateo Retegui: The Argentine-born Italian striker has been in sensational form this season, scoring eight goals in Serie A and showing his predatory instincts in front of goal. His physical presence and ability to find space in the box will pose a constant threat to Celtic’s defense.
• Ademola Lookman: The Nigerian forward is a game-changer for Atalanta. Lookman’s ability to create chances, dribble past defenders, and score important goals, as evidenced by his Europa League final hat-trick, makes him one of the standout players in this matchup.
• Marten de Roon: Atalanta’s midfield general, de Roon is vital in controlling the tempo of the game and breaking up opposition attacks. His leadership and defensive work will be crucial in protecting Atalanta’s backline against Celtic’s counterattacks.

Celtic FC

• Daizen Maeda: The Japanese forward has been Celtic’s standout player in Europe this season, scoring in both of their Champions League fixtures. Maeda’s pace, energy, and finishing ability make him a dangerous player on the break, and he will need to be at his best to unlock Atalanta’s defense.
• Kasper Schmeichel: Celtic’s veteran goalkeeper has faced a baptism of fire since joining the club, particularly in their defeat to Borussia Dortmund. However, Schmeichel’s experience and shot-stopping ability could be pivotal if Celtic is to keep Atalanta’s attack at bay.
• Callum McGregor: The Celtic captain is the heartbeat of Rodgers’ midfield. His ability to control the game and link play between defense and attack will be key to Celtic’s hopes of pulling off a positive result in Bergamo.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Atalanta BC

The injury list of Atalanta dwindles, however, as Matteo Ruggeri and Berat Djimsiti came back into action during their recent win over Venezia. However, leading back-players Rafael Toloi, Marco Brescianini, and Odilon Kossounou remain out of the team, alongside long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini.

Gasperini should line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, and Retegui should start up front, supported by Lookman and Samardzic. The midfield is likely to feature de Roon and Ederson, while Djimsiti, Hien, and Kolasinac should form the defensive trio.

Predicted Lineup:
Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, de Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui

Celtic FC

Celtic have some injury woes of their own, with key defender Cameron Carter-Vickers and left-back Greg Taylor ruled out. Rodgers will likely place his trust in Auston Trusty and Liam Scales to make up the core of the defense while Alex Valle and Alistair Johnston are relied upon for width.

Up top, the front fluid three will be made up of Maeda, Furuhashi, and Nicolas Kuhn, while McGregor, Hatate, and Engels form the midfield trio.

Predicted Lineup:
Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda

Match Prediction: Can Celtic Defy the Odds?

Form and home advantage make Atalanta go into this clash as clear favorites. With both Retegui and Lookman on fire, Gasperini's side will feel confident in trying to break down a vulnerable Celtic defense. The main battle will take place in midfield, where De Roon and Ederson need to control the proceedings against McGregor and Hatate.

This means that Celtic's challenge will be remaining compact defensively and hitting Atalanta with quick counterattacks to exploit their high line. For that to happen, the pace of Maeda and the movement of Furuhashi will prove very important as they try to get behind the Atalanta defense.

Prediction: Atalanta 3-1 Celtic

Ultimately, the firepower and home form of Atalanta should tell against Celtic, who will struggle to keep things tight at the back. A spirited performance from Rodgers' side may see them get on the scoresheet, but it is quality in attack that will see Atalanta through.