The general consensus before kick-off at Stadion Maksimir was that this was the perfect opportunity to face Dinamo Zagreb. However, Celtic demonstrated that this is not the ideal campaign to take them on in the Champions League. Brendan Rodgers may feel a hint of frustration that a draw was the best they could achieve, despite being the stronger side. The collapse in Dortmund earlier in the season still appears to be an anomaly. Celtic are once again a formidable force at the highest level in Europe; although progression to the knockout stages wasn't secured in Zagreb, there is strong confidence that it will be achieved when Young Boys visit Glasgow in the new year. With only one defeat in six matches so far, Celtic's performance has been commendable. Dinamo never seemed capable of changing that record.
The first half was a scrappy, disjointed affair. The poor playing surface contributed to this, but Celtic would have been disappointed not to capitalize on several promising positions. Dinamo's goalkeeper, Danijel Zagorac, was hardly tested. He watched a Paulo Bernardo free-kick from 20 yards sail over the crossbar and reacted sharply to block a Nicolas Kühn cut-back intended for Kyogo Furuhashi. This was the extent of Celtic's threat. Dinamo's best chance in the first half came in stoppage time when Sandro Kulenovic flicked wide at the near post, thanks to a Cameron Carter-Vickers slip. It was that kind of disjointed evening.
Rodgers raised eyebrows by leaving out Arne Engels, Celtic's record signing, from the starting lineup. The midfielder has reportedly struggled in recent weeks after a strong start since his summer move from Augsburg. Bernardo is often seen as the alternative to Engels. The first 45 minutes suggested that Reo Hatate might be the one to make way in Celtic's midfield once Engels proves his worth. Hatate was exceptional when Celtic defeated RB Leipzig last month but can be inconsistent in possession. His inconsistency was evident in Croatia.
Rodgers made a halftime substitution after Alistair Johnston couldn't recover from a tough challenge. Celtic will hope their first-choice right-back is fit for the League Cup final against Rangers on Sunday. Johnston's replacement, Tony Ralston, was familiar with the stadium, having played for Scotland against Croatia at the Maksimir in October.
Kühn looked poised to put Celtic ahead within five minutes of the restart. He cut in from the right, switched to his left foot, and fired towards Zagorac's goal. A crucial deflection from Maxime Bernauer sent the shot over the crossbar. The French defender celebrated as if he had scored.
Dinamo played like a team that had scored only once in their last four games. The question was whether Celtic could exploit their hosts' bluntness. Auston Trusty blocked a fierce Marko Pjaca attempt, and Martin Baturina failed to capitalize on a Greg Taylor error. Celtic took note. Furuhashi nearly connected with a Bernardo cross, with Carter-Vickers firing the rebound over. Ralston, already on a booking, defended smartly as Baturina broke from a Celtic corner.
Rodgers introduced Engels with 25 minutes left. With Bernardo and Hatate withdrawn, Luke McCowan joined the Celtic midfield. This move showed Celtic's intent to go for all three points rather than settle for one. The substitution of Furuhashi for the more direct Adam Idah reinforced this approach. As the game progressed, Kasper Schmeichel was called into action. Ralston lost his footing, allowing Pjaca a free header, which the Danish goalkeeper spectacularly tipped over the bar.
Idah leapt to meet an Engels cross, but Bernauer turned the header wide. An incredible interception by Kevin Theophile-Catherine prevented Idah from tapping in an Engels pass. Celtic were the more likely to score in the dying minutes, as they had been all evening. The visitors had to be content with the credit for back-to-back clean sheets away from home in the Champions League. Playoff hopes remain alive; there is just a bit more work to do.
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