Celtic took a point from tonight’s Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb and moved on to nine points in the league phase.
Truthfully, there wasn’t a lot of standout moments in a game of chess between two sides who both kept their hopes in the competition alive.
Adam Idah arguably had the best opportunity at the end, but Kévin Théophile-Catherine produced a superb piece of defending to deny the Irishman a sure-fire winner for Celtic.
Nevertheless, objectively, a point for Celtic against Dinamo Zagreb on the road isn’t a bad result. They are almost there, even if the job of securing progression wasn’t completed tonight.
Now, Chris Sutton has offered his instant reaction after his old side picked up another positive result on the European stage, albeit with a sense that they could’ve taken a victory.
Chris Sutton’s instant reaction to Celtic draw vs Zagreb
Taking to social media platform X, Sutton shared mixed feelings on Celtic’s point in Zagreb, similar to how many of the support may be feeling at this moment in time.
He stated: “Good point and clean sheet. Maybe feel in many ways though it was an opportunity missed. Dominated the ball but lacked a bit of quality in the final third. Shows how far the team have come feeling disappointed with a point maybe… thoughts?.”
There is a sense that Celtic have come a long way in the Champions League. Another clean sheet has been obtained, but Zagreb did an ample job of frustrating the Bhoys up the other end of the field.
Now, all focus turns to the Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers on Sunday, which could cap a good week with the first trophy of the season.
Celtic find peaks and troughs in Zagreb stalemate
It wasn’t to be a deciding night for Celtic, who huffed and puffed but never really looked like breaching Zagreb’s resolve despite dominating possession.
Ultimately, they had Kasper Schmeichel to thank down the other end for saving a point thanks to a wonderful stop to deny Marko Pjaca.
Collectively, the side can be proud of how they performed against another tricky outfit, as they illustrated a steely resolve to claim a point on the road.
Nine may be enough to certify progression, but one more victory against Young Boys would put the scenario beyond all doubt.
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