‘Bonus Point’ in Bergamo leaves Celtic well placed for Champions League play-offs | OneFootball

Celtic’s stalemate in Bergamo against Atalanta has left them in a strong position to reach the play-offs heading into the final five matches…

Adam Idah competes for the ball with Isak Hien during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25  match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Johan Mjallby described it as a ‘bonus point’

When the fixture list for the Champions League was released in late August, most Celtic fans acknowledged that games two to four would be by far the toughest to negotiate.

Ex Hoops defender Johan Mjallby described the 0-0 draw with Atalanta as a “bonus point,” and I concur. Four points from our opening three encounters in Europe’s elite club competition is a more than encouraging start.

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Albeit Gian Piero Gasperini’s team dominated possession, loaded the box on several occasions, created a few gaping opportunities, Celtic defended resolutely, and it would be harsh to argue Brendan Rodgers’ side did not deserve to leave Italy with a point.

Daizen Maeda  is pressured by Berat Djimsiti during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25  between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Celtic v RB Leipzig is a crucial contest

Therefore, matchday four in two weeks time at Paradise is a crucial contest, not only for Celtic, but for their struggling opponents, RB Leipzig who currently sit on no points after the pot one side lost their opening three matches.

The Bundesliga club were given a hard hand by UEFA in the League phase draw with matches against Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool kicking off their Champions League campaign. Marco Rose side languish 31st in the table being one of only six teams not to have taken any points heading into gameweek four. With pressure mounting, the Germans must win at Celtic Park if they are to have any chance of progressing to the play-offs.

ON CELTIC SHORTS…“Celtic defended very well, I have never seen them defending so deep,” Gian Piero Gasperini

Meanwhile, Celtic sit in a respectable 20th position. There is no escaping the 7-1 demolition in Dortmund concerningly hit our goal difference. Both PSG and VfB Stuttgart sit directly above Celtic on level points but a better goal difference with the Hoops being punished in the new format for the calamitous display in Germany.

Matteo Ruggeri  is challenged by James Forrest  during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A reminder on how it works

A reminder that top eight gains straightforward entry to the Last 16 in February. Places 9th-24th secure a play-off place with teams in 25th-36th spot facing immediate elimination from European football.

Data comprised by Opta prior to the tournament starting outlined that gaining 10 points from eight games would be enough to secure double digit games in the Champions League. Celtic only need two wins from Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, BSC Young Boys and Aston Villa to be in that hat for matches after the League phase comes to a completion.

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Three games at home means that the odds stack in favour of the Scottish champions. In reality, Brendan Rodgers will never have a more favourable chance to qualify for those elusive top 24 positions as Hoops manager.

Celtic FC players applaud the fans following the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 tch between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Celtic Park will be rocking for the clash with Leipzig

Celtic currently have 16 teams below them in the table, only 12 clubs need to finish behind the Bhoys in order for progression. It just shows how massive a point at the Gewiss Stadium it could be for the green and white hoops. Celtic Park will be rocking for the clash with Leipzig. Grabbing a point on the road will instil belief within the squad for the two remaining away fixtures.

What is clear is that exciting times are ahead for the Hoops in Europe.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!

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