Celtic’s quest for a Champions League away victory continues after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb at Stadion Maksimir. While extending their unbeaten run in the competition to four matches, the Bhoys failed to capitalize on several opportunities, leaving them winless in their last 11 away Champions League fixtures. Their dominant possession and passing rhythm in the first half yielded no shots on target for either side. Though Celtic created more dangerous chances in the second half, resolute defending and a brilliant save from Dinamo’s goalkeeper thwarted their efforts. The draw represents a valuable point but also a sense of missed opportunity for Celtic, who are keen to break their away-game drought.
The scoreless draw highlights Celtic’s ongoing struggles on the road in the Champions League. Despite their positive overall form in the competition, their last away win dates back to September 2017. While they have shown defensive resilience in their recent away matches, securing consecutive clean sheets against Atalanta and Dinamo Zagreb, the lack of offensive firepower remains a concern. This latest draw underscores the challenge facing Celtic as they seek to translate their domestic success to the European stage and break their unfortunate away-game streak. Their next Champions League match against Young Boys at Celtic Park offers a chance to solidify their position in the group.
Celtic’s performance, while not resulting in a victory, did offer several positive takeaways. Their control of possession and organized build-up play demonstrated their tactical maturity. The defense, anchored by Auston Trusty, proved to be a formidable barrier, limiting Dinamo Zagreb’s attacking threats. Kasper Schmeichel’s crucial save late in the match preserved the clean sheet and secured a valuable point. However, the inability to convert promising chances into goals remains a key area for improvement. While the draw maintains their unbeaten run, Celtic will need to find their scoring touch in upcoming matches to advance further in the competition.
Auston Trusty emerged as the standout performer for Celtic, earning the Player of the Match accolade. His commanding presence in defense was crucial to securing the clean sheet. Trusty’s exceptional passing accuracy, coupled with his ability to win aerial duels and consistently recover possession, provided stability and allowed Celtic to maintain control of the game. He made several vital clearances, blocks, and tackles, effectively neutralizing Dinamo Zagreb’s attempts to penetrate the Celtic defense. Trusty’s performance epitomized Celtic’s defensive resilience and highlighted his growing importance to the team.
The match saw several key moments that could have altered the final outcome. Nicholas Kuhn’s deflected shot early in the second half represented Celtic’s closest opportunity to break the deadlock. Later, Marko Pjaca’s header forced a spectacular save from Kasper Schmeichel, preventing Dinamo Zagreb from taking the lead. In the dying moments, Kevin Theophile-Catherine’s last-ditch clearance denied Adam Idah a tap-in goal, preserving the draw. These pivotal moments underscored the tight nature of the contest and the fine margins that often decide Champions League matches.
Looking ahead, Celtic will aim to build on their unbeaten run when they host Young Boys in their next Champions League fixture. The home advantage at Celtic Park will provide a boost as they seek their first win in the group stage. Meanwhile, Dinamo Zagreb face a challenging away trip to Arsenal. The draw against Celtic gives them a platform to build upon, but they will need to improve their attacking output to secure positive results against tougher opposition. Both teams will be eager to capitalize on the opportunities presented in the upcoming matches as they navigate the complexities of the Champions League group stage.
