Celtic claimed a massive Champions League point on Wednesday night, as they held on for a draw away to Europa League champions Atalanta.
The Scottish champions travelled to Bergamo still hurting from their 7-1 humbling at the hands of Borussia Dortmund last time out and knew that getting a result away from home would go a long way to restoring hope in their European campaign.
It was backs-against-the-wall stuff from the Hoops but they held out admirably to secure a 0-0 draw and claim a surprise result on the road that could be huge in their hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
In truth, it was something of an onslaught from the home side, who enjoyed the vast majority of possession and managed 22 shots on goal. However, the Celtic rearguard held out brilliantly - thanks in no small part to the exploits of Ireland international Liam Scales.
Great bit of defending from Liam Scales! 🍀#UCL pic.twitter.com/kcOrOEu9qy
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 23, 2024
Scales was awarded man of the match in Italy. Partnering American Auston Trusty in the heart of the Celtic defence, Scales was alive to every threat in his side's box and played a pivotal role in securing the draw for the Bhoys.
After the pain of the trip to Dortmund, this was a huge result for Celtic. Holding out against an attack that tore apart both Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen en route to Europa League glory last season will be a huge morale boost for Scales and the Celtic defence.
Much of the post-match reaction focused on Irishman Scales, with Celtic legend Chris Sutton singling him out for praise.
No celebrating a draw like others do… but a brave, organised defensive display from Celtic.. Schmeichel a top class goalkeeper and some of the last ditch defending was excellent from Trusty and Scales. A bit of pragmatism from Brendan Rodgers playing Idah up top👏👏☘️
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) October 23, 2024
Sutton was not the only one to pay tribute to the Dubliner, with pundits and Celtic fans alike raving about his immense defensive work in Italy.
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Atalanta 0-0 Celtic: Liam Scales earns praise for courageous defending
It was not plain sailing for Liam Scales at the outset of his Celtic career. Limited game time saw him linked with the exit door early in his time in Glasgow, before receiving a mixed reception from some fans after he broke into the first team.
A goalscorer on Champions League matchday one and man of the match in Bergamo, it's safe to say he has firmly turned things around.
Appearing on RTÉ's Champions League coverage, Richie Sadlier heaped praise on Scales for his role in Wednesday's draw against Atalanta.
Sadlier said,
I can't have been the only one who feared the worst for that Celtic team going to Atalanta tonight based on how things went for them in Dortmund in the last round of games.
To go there and get a clean sheet and a point is almost as impressive as what they did on the opening night against Slovan Bratislava.
For Scales to go there and get player of the match...when you go back to the time when he got into the team first, there was always this kind of understanding that he was in because a set of circumstances just went his way. People were injured, unavailable and that's all the manager had. That was the case.
But now you think...he's not just earned the spot, but his status within that dressing room now. To get Champions League player of the match awards off the back of a month where he's started twice for his country and we're hoping the partnership with Nathan Collins can become something we can bank on.
His career is flying.
It is indeed an exciting time for Scales and for Celtic.
The club's fans were hopping on Twitter on Wednesday night, effusing about the 26-year-old's partnership with Trusty and their titanic performance against Atalanta.
Liam Scales and Auston Trusty for one night in Italy for some reason pic.twitter.com/thgQoUUixP
— C (@_CM_67_) October 23, 2024
Surely now Scales has earned the respect of every Celtic fan?
This is a guy who was being punted to Aberdeen if it weren’t for an injury.
Guy has given us everything in every game and is now undoubtedly a pillar of our defence.
Put some respect on his name. 🍀 pic.twitter.com/mnIQ8eTYjZ— Chris Martin 🍀 (@chrismartinfilm) October 23, 2024
Scales, Trusty and Schmeichel were written off by many after their dismantling by Dortmund.
They answered those critics tonight with a brave and mature defensive performance against a top quality side.
What a valuable point this could prove to be.
pic.twitter.com/pujekSvRmb— Paul John Dykes (@PaulJohnDykes) October 23, 2024
Ah love you man ❤️ Liam Scales appreciation tweet 💚 pic.twitter.com/tfiran2SAh
— Dr William McGovern (@GovernWilliam) October 23, 2024
Super stuff. Next up for Celtic in the Champions League is the visit of RB Leipzig on November 5.
