The Cult of Calcio
·24 October 2024
The Cult of Calcio
·24 October 2024
Numerous wasted goalscoring opportunities saw Atalanta rue missed chances in a gut-wrenching 0-0 draw against Celtic. Despite launching 22 shots, including six on target, La Dea slipped to their second goalless draw in three UEFA Champions League outings this season.
As in the game against Arsenal, Gian Piero Gasperini deserved less than they got. Mario Pasalic squandered three glorious chances in the first half, hitting the crossbar while being denied by veteran goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel twice. As a result of his misses, Atalanta failed to win what would’ve been three precious points.
Pasalic hailed his side’s defensive approach but lamented profligacy in front of goal as Atalanta threw away a massive opportunity to increase their Champions League point tally to seven.
“We defended very well and didn’t run any risks at all, so the positive aspect is that we have kept a third consecutive clean sheet in Europe. That is something to build on,” the Atalanta ace added.
“If we had scored, the game would’ve changed completely and opened up,” Pasalic continued. “We could’ve been sharper and more precise upfront because we did create many opportunities, but sometimes the ball really doesn’t want to go in. This was just one of those nights.“