On Thursday night, two teams who love to attack will face off in the Champions League when Italian side Lazio visit Scottish giants Celtic. With both clubs committed to exciting, attacking soccer, this game promises lots of action!

Lazio snatched an unlikely point in their first game away to defensive specialist Atletico Madrid. Trailing 1-0, Lazio's goalkeeper scored an unbelievable last minute header to tie the game! It capped a brave effort as Lazio struggled to break down Atletico's sturdy defense.

Meanwhile, Celtic put up a good fight in their opening match despite losing at home to Dutch team Feyenoord. The turning point was a harsh red card that left Celtic playing over an hour with just 10 men. Still, Celtic's energetic start showed they won't be afraid to take it to quality opponents in their attacking style.

Lazio vs Celtic

The match will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2023, at Celtic Park

Lazio Snatch Unlikely Point from Jaws of Defeat

An away trip to face famously stingy Atletico Madrid was always going to be tough for Lazio. Falling behind to an early goal only made their task even more daunting.

A committed Atletico restricted Lazio's creative talents like Felipe Anderson from impacting the game. Chances to equalize before halftime were squandered.

Provedel to the Rescue

As the game wore on, a smash and grab point seemed Lazio's only hope. Incredibly, late in stoppage time, goalkeeper Provedel popped up in the box to power home a header.

Lazio's players and fans went ballistic after Provedel's shocking last gasp equalizer. Such an improbable moment capped a lackluster Lazio performance.

Statement Draw Despite Struggles

For most of the match, Lazio struggled to find any attacking rhythm against Atletico's typically stubborn defense. But the team showed admirable spirit to battle until the death.

Snatching a draw at the end provided a valuable morale boost. Lazio must now build on this never-say-die mentality moving forward.

Ruthless Game Management

Once ahead, Lazio are masters at managing games through time wasting, tactical fouls, and experience. They drain the tempo from matches.

Late drama is common as opponents chase the game while they cynically run down the clock. Their ruthlessness grinds out slim results.

Lazio's Attacking Flair and Technical Ability

Lazio's proud history in Italian soccer stretches back over 100 years. They have won several major honors over the decades and boast iconic players like Pavel Nedved.

Their successful past gives Lazio an aura when facing opponents. The players represent the achievements of all who came before them.

Cultivating Italian Talent

Lazio takes pride in developing homegrown Italian talent into top level professionals. Their youth academy consistently produces bright prospects.

In the first team, Lazio targeted Serie A's next breakout stars to lead the club into the future, while keeping a core of experienced leaders.

Entertaining, Attacking Style

While defense comes first for some Italian clubs, Lazio entertains fans with fast passing combinations and waves of pressure to win back possession.

Technically gifted midfielders and wingers light up matches with moments of individual brilliance and clever interplay. Lazio attack games with confidence and flair.

Celtic's Brave Resistance Fades After Red

Rather than sit back with respect for mighty Feyenoord, Celtic took the game straight to the Dutch hosts from the opening whistle. Their courageous start suggested an upset was possible.

Sharp passing triangles and tenacious pressing forced Feyenoord onto the back foot early on. But Celtic's bright beginning ultimately only made the eventual defeat more painful.

Harsh Dismissal Turns Tide

The first half red card for Lagerbielke shifted the entire match in Feyenoord's favor. Replays suggested the decision was extremely harsh on the young Celtic defender.

Despite rallying valiantly, the numerical disadvantage left Celtic swimming upstream. Their defiance will please manager Neil Lennon, even in defeat.

Glimpses of Potential Despite Loss

Celtic can take great pride in preventing renowned European competitors Feyenoord from creating clear chances for so long. The players executed Lennon's gameplan superbly.

Competing so bravely with only 10 men bodes well for Celtic's first Champions League campaign in five years. More mature performances like this will earn results soon.

Celtic's Traditional Scottish Physicality

In Scotland, Celtic has always prided themselves on being tougher and more physical than opponents. They look to out-battle and out-work the opposition across the park.

Hard but fair tackling and aerial dominance ensures games against Celtic are usually bruising encounters. Technique takes a backseat to fitness, power, and sheer will.

Direct in Attack

Celtic play a straightforward attacking game focusing on transitions and direct play into forwards. Rather than excessive passing, they aim for forward thrust and shots on goal quickly.

Long throws and crosses to towering striker Kyogo Furuhashi allows Celtic to maximize set pieces. Pacey wingers Jota and Abada provide outlets for direct counterattacks.

Never Say Die Attitude

Celtic's motto is "As long as we're breathing, we keep believing." This sums up the team's collectivist mentality. The team's persistence reflects the blue-collar spirit of Glasgow.

Even when struggling, Celtic fight relentlessly from first whistle to last. At their best, the team embodies the passion of their massive global fanbase.

Organized Shape Above All

For Celtic, system and structure trumps flair and attacking talent. Each player fulfills a clear tactical role in stifling opponents and restricting chances.

Even global superstars must adhere to the team's rigid defensive principles. They have created a machine primed for grinding out results by any means necessary.

Predicted Lineups

Celtic: Joe Hart, Alistair Johnston, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Liam Scales, Greg Taylor, Matt O'Riley, Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma

Lazio: Ivan Provedel, Manuel Lazzari, Nicolo Casale, Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marusic, Matias Vecino, Nicolo Rovella, Luis Alberto, Felipe Anderson, Ciro Immobile, Mattia Zaccagni

Key Battles

When these two meet at Celtic's legendary stadium, entertainment is guaranteed with both teams committed to going forward. Lazio's talented Brazilian Felipe Anderson could run riot against Celtic's shaky defense. 

Conclusion

With two attack-minded teams who never give up, expect an open, end-to-end thriller in Glasgow! In a tight group, this feels like a must-win for both clubs. Celtic's incredible home support will drive them on to try and out-battle Lazio from start to finish. Strap in for 90 minutes of nonstop action!