ZAGREB, CROATIA - DECEMBER 10: Callum McGregor and Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic shows appreciation to the fans during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between GNK Dinamo and Celtic FC at Stadion Maksimir on December 10, 2024 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Celtic secured yet another valuable away point in the Champions League on Tuesday night, drawing 0-0 with Dinamo Zagreb.
The Bhoys have stretched their unbeaten run in this competition to four matches, but Brendan Rodgers wasn’t too pleased with the overall performance.
Celtic were solid at the back, but they offered very little going forward. Rodgers admitted after the match that they lacked a bit of quality in the attacking areas.
James McFadden was impressed by Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who made one terrific save in the second half.
The home side applied a bit of pressure in the second half and created some very good chances. But the veteran goalkeeper made sure they kept yet another clean sheet.
Marko Pjaca thought he nearly gave Dinamo the lead with a back-post header, but Schmeichel tipped it over the bar.
“It’s a great ball to the back post,” said McFadden on BBC Sportsound, as relayed by BBC Sport.
“Schmeichel is at full stretch, it’s a tremendous save.”
Celtic still have good chance to qualify
A point and a clean sheet away from home should be seen as a good result, but Celtic fans will feel that it was a missed opportunity to pick up all three points.
The Bhoys are still looking for their elusive victory away from home in this competition. The last time it happened was against Anderlecht, under Rodgers, some seven years ago.
Celtic need to improve their away form. However, a win against Young Boys at home in the next game should help them reach close to their target.
They faced a Zagreb side hampered by an injury avalanche, and that’s why they should have taken more risks going forward.
Celtic kept loads of possession, with Paulo Bernardo producing a fantastic performance in midfield. Nicolas Kuhn attempted an effort on target after cutting inside, but the defender made a great block.
They will now turn their attention to the Scottish League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden on Sunday.
