Atalanta vs Celtic – UEFA Champions League – 23-Oct-2024

On October 23, 2024, Atalanta will host Celtic in a crucial UEFA Champions League match at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. This encounter marks the first meeting between the two clubs in European competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture.

Team Form and Background

Atalanta:

• Atalanta has had a solid start to their Champions League campaign, drawing 0-0 against Arsenal in their opening match and securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in their second match. They are currently looking to build on this momentum as they face Celtic [3].
• The team is coming off a successful 2023/24 season, where they won the UEFA Europa League, defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the final. This victory marked a significant achievement for the club, as it was their first major silverware since the 1962/63 Coppa Italia [3].
• Despite their recent success, Atalanta has struggled at home in the Champions League, with only one win in their last eight home matches (D4 L3) [3].

Celtic:

• Celtic’s journey in the Champions League has been more tumultuous. They started strong with a 5-1 win against Slovan Bratislava but suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund in their second match, leaving them needing a strong performance against Atalanta [3].
• Captain Callum McGregor has expressed the team’s determination to replicate their past successes in Italy, recalling their memorable Europa League victory over Lazio in 2019. He emphasized the importance of concentration and seizing opportunities at this level of competition [2].
• Historically, Celtic has struggled in Italy, with only one win in their last 12 matches against Italian teams, which adds pressure to their upcoming clash [3].

Key Players to Watch

• Atalanta: Mateo Retegui has been in excellent form, scoring consistently in Serie A and contributing to Atalanta’s attacking prowess. His performance will be crucial in breaking down Celtic’s defense [3].
• Celtic: The Hoops will rely on their attacking talents, including players like Kyogo Furuhashi, to exploit any defensive lapses from Atalanta. The team’s ability to recover from their recent defeat will be vital for their confidence going into this match [3].

Match Significance

This match is pivotal for both teams. For Atalanta, a win would solidify their position in the group and enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. For Celtic, securing points in this match is essential to keep their hopes alive in the competition, especially after their heavy loss in the previous matchday [3].

As the teams prepare to face off, fans can expect an exciting encounter filled with intensity and high stakes, as both clubs aim to make their mark in this prestigious tournament.