Celtic edged closer to the Champions League knockout stages but their wait for an away win continues after a goalless draw with Dinamo Zagreb.
Brendan Rodgers’ side are without a win on the road since 2017 and knew ending that run would almost guarantee them progression in Europe’s elite competition.
They dominated possession in the first half without creating any clearcut chances until Nicolas Kuhn was denied by Danijel Zagorac just before half-time.
The hosts had more intent after the break with Kasper Schmeichel denying Martin Baturina and Marco Pjaca before Adam Idah looked certain to smash Arne Engles’ ball into the net only for a last-ditch intervention by Kevin Theophile-Catherine to deny the Celtic striker.
Celtic are unbeaten in their last four Champions League games and have nine points with two to play, Dinamo Zagreb are a further point behind.
A precious point as Celtic near knockout stages
There was no surprise to see the return of centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, along with midfielders Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate and striker Kyogo Furuhashi, while captain Callum McGregor was making his 100th appearance in Europe for Celtic.
The injury-hit hosts – who began the match without a win in five games – started with only one point less than Celtic but the visitors quickly and comfortably took control.
However, chances of any sort were few and far between.
Nicolas Kuhn had a first-half chance for Celtic
After Lukas Kacavenda handled the ball at the edge of his own box in the 15th minute, Bernardo clipped the resulting free-kick over the crossbar.
On the half-hour mark, Zagreb striker Sandro Kulenovic miskicked in front of goal to end a rare attack before goalkeeper Danijel Zagorac saved at his near post from Hoops winger Nicolas Kuhn.
After a swift Zagreb break just before half-time, Kulenovic again missed the target from eight yards, as Carter-Vickers slipped following a Dario Spikic cross.
Celtic defender Anthony Ralston replaced Alistair Johnston for the start of the second half and within minutes, Kuhn’s drive was deflected over the crossbar by Zagreb defender Maxime Bernauer for a fruitless corner.
Kasper Schmeichel impressed for Celtic with a vital save late on
The game stretched. A mistake by Hoops left-back Greg Taylor allowed Martin Baturina an effort on goal but Schmeichel was not unduly bothered, the Zagreb midfielder missed the target with another effort just after the hour mark.
Rodgers took action soon afterwards. Luke McCowan and Arne Engels replaced Hatate and Bernardo and the former Dundee midfielder unleashed a drive from distance which was saved by Zagorac.
It was the home side who threatened again in the 80th minute but Schmeichel made a great save from Marko Pjaca’s close-range header for a corner which was defended, with both sides having to settle for the draw.
‘We needed to do more’
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was frustrated by the goalless draw
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers:
“That’s my honest answer on it, yes, we needed to do more.
“It was an opportunity for us but you have to show a little bit more in those moments.
“The positive is we’ve come away from the game defensively strong and didn’t concede. I thought we lacked quality in the final third. The pitch was a little bit tricky.
“We had great energy, good commitment. In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you’re not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed.
“It’s hard work. My teams will always be referenced for their attacking play, but we’re good when we press in the right moments and have that mentality to not want to concede.
“We had enough of the ball to create more opportunities, but to have that base collectively is very important.
“This group and team is gaining confidence at this level. The players gave everything.
“We needed to do more, but we know that. That’s cool. We know it was an opportunity for us, but you have to show that little bit more.”
