Celtic secured another valuable Champions League point on the road with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb last night.
The result, while not spectacular, left Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reasonably satisfied.
Speaking after the match, Rodgers described the performance as “solid and strong,” praising his side’s resilience as they edge closer to potential Champions League qualification.
The draw keeps Celtic in contention, with the Bhoys currently sitting in 19th place in the UEFA league rankings.
With one round of fixtures left to play tonight, Celtic are just three points behind Bayern Munich, who occupy an automatic qualification spot. It’s a tight race, and Rodgers’ side remains in with a fighting chance of progressing.
For many Celtic fans, the draw seemed a fair result. Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances in a game that was more about defensive solidity than attacking flair.
However, comments from some Dinamo Zagreb players following the match have raised eyebrows among the Celtic faithful.
Dinamo Players Share Mixed Views
Speaking to Arena Sports TV, Zagreb captain Stefan Ristovski reflected on his team’s performance with a balanced perspective.
“I’m satisfied, congratulations to the guys, the approach was right, I’m sorry we didn’t score,” Ristovski said.
“I’m glad that we showed that we are still alive and no one wants us. We started cautiously. But the energy was there. We were alive, we played a very good game.
“The focus is now on SHNL. We have problems, but we will not give up. Some humiliate us and write us off.”
Winger Marko Pjaca offered a similarly measured view, although he admitted there was disappointment over missed opportunities.
“We played a good and solid game. They are in very good shape. We can be proud.
“The most realistic result is 0-0. It remains a pity because we had a few chances. It was my chance with my head. The goalkeeper defended, what is there is there. Let’s play the next game in the SHNL with this approach and there will be no problems.
“In the first half, they had more of the ball, but in the second we stopped a little more. The most important competition for us is the championship.
“We haven’t been good lately. We want to let the fans and ourselves know that we can play well. Only through the championship can we perform in Europe again.”
However, it was Croatian striker Dario Špikić’s comments that caught the attention of Celtic fans.
“A difficult game, it remains a regret because we did not take three points.
“I think we were better. Everything remains open in the Champions League. We are now turning to SHNL and Lokomotiva. In the first half, we started somewhat shyly. We opened up more in the second half. We created a couple of chances.”
Stats Tell a Different Story
Špikić’s suggestion that Zagreb were the better team is not backed up by the match statistics.
In truth, Celtic delivered one of their most dominant away performances in recent memory, controlling much of the game and creating the better chances.
The Hoops were unlucky not to snatch victory in the dying minutes, as Adam Idah came agonisingly close to converting a near-post opportunity, only to be denied by a last-ditch Zagreb intervention.
While Celtic will rue their inability to find the net, this was another display of their growing maturity in Europe. With one round left, all eyes are now on whether Rodgers’ men can take the next step and secure their place in the knockout stages.
