As the goals kept flying in, Celtic’s misery continued to pile up a few weeks ago in Dortmund.
Midfielder Paulo Bernardo, who started the game before being hooked at half-time with his side 5-1 down, has admitted he was shocked as Dortmund piled on the agony.
“On the pitch it was a bit like a shock,” he said (RecordSport).
“It was a really difficult game, but as I said, it was a great team.
“Dortmund were finalists of the Champions League last year and now we are aware of a big team like that this year, so we are more prepared for the next time.
“It’s difficult when we lose 7-1, but it’s only a [one] game and we learned about that and now we move on.”
As they prepare to face Serie A outfit Atalanta tomorrow evening, Celtic must prioritise avoiding another heavy scalp on the continent.
The Italians are one of the most tactically adept sides in football, and Brendan Rodgers recently hailed their man-marking ability as world-class.
Although matches against elite sides are always mightily difficult for Celtic to take something from, Bernardo believes they serve the Bhoys well in the long run
“It’s a different level,” he said.
“I think we gain a lot with these games. It’s more difficult, so I think we learn about that and as many as we can play these games, I think we are a step closer to be a better team.
“I think it’s everything. It’s a different league, so we are playing against the best teams in the world, so it’s difficult, but I think we can do better. Already for the next game, I think we can improve and I think we as a team learned about that game too.”
It will take an almighty effort for Celtic to take something home from Bergamo tomorrow evening.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are in fine fettle going into the clash, which may not bode well for the Hoops.
Kick-off is at 5.45pm as the Scottish Premiership champions aim to bounce back from Saturday’s draw with Aberdeen.
