Celtic move point closer to Champions League knockouts with draw in Zagreb

Celtic have drawn 0-0 with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, moving closer to a place in the Champions League knockout stages.

Neither side could find a goal in a hard-fought match where clear chances were thin on the ground but Celtic left with a share of the spoils and increased their unbeaten run.

After six League Phase games, Celtic now have nine points and will look to their home match against Young Boys and trip to face Aston Villa for what they need to progress in the competition.

Ahead of kick-off in Zagreb, manager Brendan Rodgers had felt that his side had a good chance for a rare away win but despite being on the front foot and having the majority of the play in the first half, they couldn’t find a way to get in front.

Dinamo, who were on a run of poor form but also have ambitions to progress in Europe, had limited opportunities and opened up after the break. That led to a livelier match but one that lacked real cutting edge in the final third.

Celtic had Kasper Schmeichel to thank for his reflexes after the best chance of the game fell to Dinamo with ten minutes to go, the goalkeeper making a great save when Marko Pjaca looked certain to head his side in front.

Rodgers and his players will now return to Glasgow where they will prepare for Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers, and then a busy festive period before they return to Champions League action on January 22.