Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic - Bhoys earn valuable point in UEFA Champions League knockouts chase - Eurosport
Celtic secured an important point in the UEFA Champions League with a 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb at Stadion Maksimir.
Celtic entered this game having gone ten matches without a win in the UEFA Champions League when playing away, with their last success on the road dating back to August 2017 against Anderlecht. They were eager to secure that much-needed away victory.
The team began the game strongly, controlling the ball and finding their groove with quick passes as they aimed to break down the opposition's defense.
Brendan Rodgers' team maintained their solid performance with the ball, but struggled to penetrate Dinamo Zagreb's defense in the first half. Neither team was able to produce a single shot on target during that time.
Celtic's first significant attempt on goal came after 50 minutes when Nicolas Kuhn skillfully escaped his marker. He then moved in from the right side and sent a shot toward the goal, but it was deflected over the crossbar, resulting in a corner kick.
In the second half, Dinamo Zagreb picked up their tempo and pressed forward in search of a breakthrough against Celtic's defense. After 80 minutes, they had a critical chance to go ahead. Marko Pjaca discovered space at the far post and launched a powerful header towards the goal, but Kasper Schmeichel made an impressive save, deflecting the shot over the crossbar.
Celtic came close to securing a late goal but was thwarted by an outstanding defensive play. A cross came in from the left, and Adam Idah was ready to score from just a few feet away. However, Kevin Theophile-Catherine made a crucial intervention, sliding in to clear the ball just in time.
The Bhoys extend their unbeaten streak in the Champions League to four games, with their next matchup against Young Boys at Celtic Park. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb will head to the Emirates on matchday seven to take on Arsenal.
Celtic's Road Wait Continues
Celtic extended their unbeaten streak to four games in the UEFA Champions League tonight. However, they may see this match as a chance that slipped away, as they continue to search for that elusive victory on the road in this tournament.
The Bhoys have not managed to secure a win in their last 11 away games in the Champions League, recording three draws and suffering eight losses. Their last victory on the road in this competition dates back to September 2017, when they beat the Belgian team Anderlecht 3-0.
There are definitely some reasons to feel optimistic. After suffering six straight losses on the road from October 2022 to October 2024, The Bhoys have managed to avoid any defeats in their last two away games, and they didn’t concede a single goal in either (0-0 against Atalanta and 0-0 in the most recent match). They will play their last away match of the league phase at the end of January, where they will visit Birmingham to take on Aston Villa.
Player Of The Match: Auston Trusty
The Celtic defender had an outstanding performance this evening, showing off his skills with crucial clearances, blocks, and tackles all night long. When he had the ball, he remained calm and effective, successfully completing 106 out of 111 passes (95%) and only losing possession seven times overall. His ability in the air made it tough for Dinamo to pose any serious threats from crosses, as he won five of his aerial duels.
**Dinamo Player Ratings:** - Zagorac: 7 - Ristovski: 7 - Bernauer: 7 - Theophile-Catherine: 7 - Pierre-Gabriel: 7 - Kacavenda: 6 - Rog: 6 - Spikic: 6 - Baturina: 7 - Pjaca: 6 - Kulenovic: 7 **Substitutes:** - Mbuku: 6 - Hoxha: 6 - Stojkovic: 6
### Player Ratings for Celtic: - **Schmeichel**: 7 - **Taylor**: 7 - **Trusty**: 8 - **Carter-Vickers**: 7 - **Johnston**: 6 - **Bernardo**: 7 - **McGregor**: 7 - **Hatate**: 7 - **Maeda**: 6 - **Kyogo**: 6 - **Kuhn**: 6 **Substitutes:** - **Ralston**: 7 - **McCowan**: 6 - **Engels**: 6 - **Idah**: 6 - **Forrest**: 6
49’ A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR CELTIC - This was undoubtedly Celtic's most significant chance of the match. Nicholas Kuhn made a move from the right side, shifting onto his left foot, but his shot was deflected over the crossbar. It certainly seemed like it was going to be the first goal for The Bhoys.
57’ A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR DINAMO! - Marko Pjaca created his best chance of the match, managing to create some space for himself before shooting at goal. However, Auston Trusty blocked the shot, and the ball went out for a corner kick.
80’ SCHMEICHEL WITH A FANTASTIC SAVE! - Ristovski sends in a brilliant cross to the far post, where Pjaca is positioned to head the ball toward the goal. Kasper Schmeichel reacts quickly and manages to deflect it over the crossbar.
Celtic had given up goals in nine straight away games in the Champions League, but they have now managed to shut out their opponents in two consecutive away matches in the tournament.
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