Following their fierce matchup with Atletico Madrid to earn their first Champions League point of the season, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes his “terrific” team will be given a boost of confidence.

At a boisterous Celtic Park, Rodgers’ team led twice: first on an early goal from Kyogo Furuhashi in the fourth minute, and again on an angled goal from Luis Palma following Antonie Griezmann’s second-half penalty kick conversion.

Alvaro Morata’s header in the second half, however, tied the game once more and sent Celtic to the bottom of the group at the midway point, depriving them of a much-needed victory at home in the group stage.

The Scottish winners still have a chance to finish in third place and qualify for the Europa League after Christmas thanks to the draw, but it’s becoming less and less probable that they’ll advance in this competition.

What did you think of Celtic’s performance? Absorbing Simeone at the center of Celtic Park chaos Podcast: “Celtic can go to Madrid and get a result.”We just couldn’t secure the victory, despite a really strong showing,” Rodgers remarked. You can’t argue, in my opinion, that they will go back to Spain without realizing they had a difficult game.

“They weren’t as productive. Their excellent equalizer demonstrates the caliber at this level.

“We played with boldness and bravery, and our response to the game was excellent. We shown that we can play with a top-tier squad. Chances are something we can make. The game can be played anyway we choose.”

With an excellent first-half performance, it had appeared like Celtic’s hopes would be rekindled.

Before kickoff, the atmosphere was electric, and it only got louder when Matt O’Riley and Kyogo played a beautiful combination and Kyogo maintained his cool to throw the home crowd into an early frenzy.

This was not a phony sunrise. Celtic was more than competitive with their esteemed rivals.

However, Rodrigo De Paul’s release of Nahuel Molina, who was apprehended by Greg Taylor, undid all of their hard work. The subsequent penalty was taken by Griezmann, and despite Joe Hart’s save, the ball struck a post and dropped for Griezmann to finish.

Tables
How may Celtic respond? Excelently.

Taylor let go of Daizen Maeda, whose cross went past everyone in the middle but was intercepted by Luis Palma, who thundered a shot back across the goal off Mario Hermoso’s tiny deflection. The outcome was very much on target.

Then, in an exciting first half, Celtic saw a chance for a third, but Jan Oblak turned away a volley from O’Riley.

After the interval, though, Atletico looked like a different team, and they were rewarded when substitute Marcos Llorente sent in a magnificent cross for the quiet Morata, who headed home.

Diego Simeone’s team immediately demonstrated their superiority, making a worn-out Celtic less of a danger and needing to play disciplined, focused defense for extended periods of time.

Alternate Angel Correa made a great spin in the box to open up space, but Hart made a great save on his shot.

Late in the game, De Paul gave Celtic hope when he caught O’Riley and was given a second yellow card. However, despite their best efforts, the hosts were unable to capitalize on their advantage and had to settle for a point.

Player of the game: Celtic’s Matt O’Riley
Joel O’Riley
Several players on Celtic’s team showed out against a roster full of superstars. O’Riley was essential once more, as his skill set allowed Atletico to score first. He is a player who performs at a high level all the time and didn’t appear uncomfortable.
Analysis: Improving Celtic doesn’t seem out of place
Fantastic European evenings at Celtic Park have been fading into the past. High-level supporters have suffered greatly during Glasgow’s ten-year wait for a Champions League group stage victory.

This exciting encounter’s opening part was among the most captivating in a long time.

In a real quality showing against elite opponents, that elusive win was very much on the cards at halftime. Celtic demonstrated their belonging here by playing at a high level and doing a lot of things well.

The fact that those levels couldn’t be maintained throughout will disappoint people. Rodgers’ team has demonstrated throughout the campaign that they are everything but out of place, even with just one point to show for their efforts.

“That was a really good performance, but we just couldn’t get the win,” Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers stated. We’re not used to playing at that speed, so a slight sense of exhaustion sets in.

“The penalty was terrible for us. I felt that was unjust, and it comes back to haunt them.

On TNT Sports, Celtic goalie Joe Hart said, “Atletico are resolute; they made it difficult for us.” When they are down to ten men, they are not a team that will fold. Every trick was revealed.

“Our opening frame was intense. One more small push and we’ll be there.”

“We demonstrated that we can compete with a top-tier team.”
On Sportsound, former Celtic goalie Pat Bonner said: “Celtic can win if they go to Madrid and play close to how they played in the first half.” The key at this point is to maintain that for more than ninety minutes.

“They are currently competing in this group. It would be a significant accomplishment to remain in Europe in any capacity after this group.”

James McFadden, a former forward for Scotland, said on Sportsound: “In the second half, Atletico prevented Celtic from establishing and maintaining a rhythm.

That is Atletico’s behavior. They manage to achieve an outcome. They manage to choke you.”

match data
In 12 Champions League home games, Celtic has not won (D3 L9). In the competition, when they have scored the first goal, they have lost their last five games (D3 L2).
Since November 2009, Atletico has not won in their past six Champions League away games (D2 L4). This is their longest run of defeats under Diego Simeone.
For the first time since their last Champions League victory over Anderlecht in September 2017, Celtic scored more than once in a match. Prior to that, they had only scored seven goals in their previous 12 games.
In 38 games for Atletico Madrid in 2023, Griezmann has directly contributed to 31 goals (19 goals, 12 assists); only Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (32) has contributed to more goals for a Spanish team during this time.
With Kyogo, the Celtics’ first player to score in back-to-back Champions League home games since October 2006’s Kenny Miller.
Since Atletico Madrid’s defeat against FC Porto in December 2009, his goal (3:28) was the team’s earliest goal in a Champions League match (1:21 – Bruno Alves).