Celtic fans defy jittery jobsworths as blinding Brendan sets a trap for Atalanta – big match verdict

The jittery jobsworths at Bergamo city council slapped a booze ban on Celtic’s fans.

But it didn’t stop the travelling punters toasting a heroic performance as Brendan Rodgers and his boys banished their Borussia Dortmund demons. This superb Champions League point against one of the hottest outfits in Europe could be vital in their bid to reach the knockout stages.

But it was also redemption – and vindication – for Rodgers after getting battered in the wake of that 7-1 loss to Borussia. The Irishman proved he can change his approach... he can be pragmatic... he can get results away from home against the big boys.

Fair play to Rodgers. His team played a blinder but so did he. The tactics were spot-on – even before the game. Rodgers saying he wouldn’t change on the eve of the match and Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini saying he was quite right.

Turned out it was just a trap. Celtic’s set-up and approach was completely uncharacteristic – and it got the job done thanks to an epic shift from the players. Sure, they had to weather a few storms along the way but by the end the Italians had run out of ideas and were climbing up the Bergamo city walls. It might not have been a win but it sure felt like one.

And it also felt like Celtic rebuilt a reputation that was left in tatters in Germany. This was a seriously impressive result and performance against a seriously strong Atalanta side – in more ways than one.

The first things you notice about this lot in the flesh is the sheer size of them. It’s a team packed with hefty lumps and their man- to-man style means every Celtic player had a nightclub bouncer to contend with. They can play a bit as well.

Just ask Liverpool and Leverkusen, teams they scudded on the way to their