Regarding Tuesday night’s Champions League loss by Celtic to Atletico Madrid, I believe the prevailing perception is that the club was simply outclassed.
Granted, being reduced to 10 men with a 1-0 deficit did not help, but it was more likely that Celtic would have lost the game anyhow.
That may sound pessimistic, but given the team’s performance in the competition and the players Atletico has at their disposal, a victory in Spain—where Celtic has never triumphed—seems improbable given their history.
Though we can’t hold the team down for effort, one guy went above and above to make sure Celtic left the Metropolitano Stadium with a victory.
Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers excels once more
Throughout the season, the American defender has been a huge asset to Celtic. Since his injury comeback, Carter-Vickers has stabilized the Celtic defense.
Despite the 6-0 thrashing, the “outstanding” defender was once again at the top of his game, and things could have turned out much worse if he hadn’t worked so hard.
Celtic versus Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League
Burak Akbulut/Anadolu’s photo via Getty Images
Over the course of the 90-minute thrashing, Carter-Vickers made five clearances, according to football ratings website SofaScore.
In addition, the 25-year-old made three successful tackles, won three of his four ground duels, and stopped a shot that was intended to be on target.
Carter-Vickers also had 75 touches with the ball, with a 91% passing accuracy rate during those touches.
Carter-Vickers was the Celtic backline’s consistent, dependable self on a terrible night overall, and the supporters will be hoping for more of the same when Aberdeen visits Celtic Park on Sunday.
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