Even though the Scottish champions were unable to secure a much-needed victory, we are lucky to have escaped the aftermath of yet another European setback.
To be fair, many supporters are feeling proud and optimistic about the future as they reflect on the 90-minute performance and the 2-2 outcome.
However, what effect did it have on the opposing side of the conflict from last night? The foreign press’s conclusions about these matches are often a good source of information about performance.
Fortunately, Brendan Rodgers’ team wowed plenty of Spanish observers as well.
The Spanish media laud Celtic for their Champions League performance.
Sport, who called Matt O’Riley “great,” expressed the opinion that Atletico will have to battle to advance past the first round of the Champions League after their match against the Bhoys “couldn’t have been a worse start.”
They claim that by scoring the game’s opening goal, Kyogo Furuhashi was able to “unleash the madness of a deafening Celtic Park.” It is mentioned that the Spaniards would have been a little lost in the match if it weren’t for Antoine Griezmann.
Luis Palma’s “sensational” goal that made it 2-1 was also praised. However, it was concluded that even though Atletico had the better of the second half, they were unable to cause Celtic to “tremble” or dread losing.
El Mundo said that Celtic enjoyed playing in the expansive spaces, saying, “The Scots did a lot of damage on the wings with quick transitions.” Galán and Molina went through agony with little assistance from the midfield.
Citing the notorious 1974 draw between the two teams, they bemoaned Atletico’s performance in the first half and went on: “Atletico arrived, but did not bite.” For the first half, a little of the ’74 spirit wouldn’t have hurt. With the red and whites setting up the streamers, Glasgow was a party.
Matt O’Riley is praised for having great talent and promise.
ABC acknowledged that O’Riley was a standout player on the evening, calling his pass to Kyogo for the game’s first goal “impossible” and concluding that “the young O’Riley’s fine left foot will soon be at the service of a great,” suggesting that he may eventually play for a bigger team.
The source also gave Celtic’s amazing start a positive review, saying that “Celtic bites like a hungry animal.” In the opposition half, he combines with a certain class, presses high, and steals high.
Atletico was reportedly “stunned by the local gale,” with Palma’s goal garnering acclaim once more.
Diego Simeone expressed the opinion that many people are dissatisfied that Atletico did not win despite realizing that Celtic made the game very difficult for them.
