Celtic Held to Draw Against Dinamo Zagreb

Cataleya

December 11, 2024 · 1 min read

Celtic Held to Draw Against Dinamo Zagreb
FootBall | December 11, 2024
Brendan Rodgers stated that the disappointment over the draw reflects Celtic progress. (Image: BBC Sport)

Celtic missed the chance to secure their first away win in the Champions League in seven years, drawing 0-0 with a weakened Dinamo Zagreb. Despite dominating possession with nearly 70%, Celtic struggled to create clear-cut chances against the Croatian side, who were hindered by injuries. Paulo Bernardo and Luke McCowan both threatened from long range and Adam Idah was denied by a last-ditch tackle but the breakthrough never came.

Celtic’s wait for an away victory in the competition continues, with their last such win coming in 2017 under Brendan Rodgers against Anderlecht. Rodgers acknowledged the missed opportunity, stating, “We needed to do more, but we know that. You have to show a little bit more in those moments.” However, he took positives from the performance, pointing out that the team defended well and managed to keep a clean sheet.

“In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you’re not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed,” Rodgers added. With nine points in their group, Celtic are still in a strong position, needing one more win to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. They face Young Boys at home in January, followed by a trip to Aston Villa.

Rodgers is optimistic about the team’s progress, saying, “This group and team is gaining confidence at this level.” He also confirmed that Alistair Johnston’s hip issue which forced him off during the game, doesn’t seem serious.