Match Overview
Atalanta BC and Celtic will clash on Wednesday in the Champions League, with both teams coming into the match with contrasting recent fortunes. Celtic is reeling from a heavy defeat to Borussia Dortmund, while Atalanta is on a winning streak with three consecutive victories. Celtic aims to recover their form, while Atalanta seeks to maintain their momentum.
Atalanta impressed in their last Champions League outing, securing a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk, following up with a 5-1 demolition of Genoa and another victory over Venezia. Mateo Retegui has been the star, netting eight goals in eight Serie A appearances, helping the club climb to sixth in the league standings. With four points in the Champions League, Atalanta eyes consecutive victories in the competition for the first time since 2020.
On the other hand, Celtic was crushed 7-1 by Borussia Dortmund after a promising 5-1 win against Slovan Bratislava. Brendan Rodgers’ men have struggled defensively in European competitions, conceding 38 goals since 2022. Additionally, they have lost eight of their last nine away fixtures in the Champions League, making their upcoming visit to Italy daunting. Domestically, Celtic’s perfect start ended with a draw against Aberdeen, further dampening their spirits.
Team News
Atalanta will see Matteo Ruggeri and Berat Djimsiti back in action, while Sead Kolasinac could return after illness. However, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini remain sidelined, leaving Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack. Lookman has been prolific in European competitions, contributing to eight goals in his last five appearances.
For Celtic, Greg Taylor is out with a hamstring injury, and Cameron Carter-Vickers remains unavailable due to a foot injury. Liam Scales and Alistair Johnston will make up part of Celtic’s defense, alongside veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. Forward Daizen Maeda could make history by becoming the first Celtic player to score in three consecutive Champions League games.
Despite Celtic’s tendency for attacking football, they are likely to adopt a more cautious approach against in-form Atalanta. However, their defensive vulnerabilities will still be tested by an Atalanta side finding its rhythm.
Predicted Lineups
Atalanta BC: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic, Lookman; Retegui
Celtic: Schmeichel; Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Valle; Engels, McGregor, Hatate; Kuhn, Furuhashi, Maeda
