Dinamo Zagreb 0 Celtic 0 – PLAYER RATINGS: Who made brilliant block to keep scores level? Which player justified selection in midfield? Who endured a tough night at the office?
Celtic took another step towards qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League after securing a well-deserved point in Zagreb.
The visitors dominated for much of the evening but struggled to find the sharpness needed to break the deadlock.
Nicolas Kuhn had a powerful effort blocked in the second half before Auston Trusty and Kasper Schmeichel denied Marko Pjaca late on as both teams pushed for an opener.
It is now four games without defeat for Celtic as they move to nine points in this year’s revamped competition.
Brendan Rodgers’ side header faces Young Boys next at Celtic Park, where a win will all but secure progression to the next stage.
Here, Kevin McKenna gives his assessment of the players who took action during a grueling evening in the Maksimir Stadium.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was frustrated when he didn’t see his side win in Zagreb
It was a positive point on the road for Glasgow, amid a hostile atmosphere
Auston Trusty was a rock in the heart of the visitors’ defense all night
CELTIC (4-3-3)
Kasper Schmeichel-7
Reacted well to tip Pjaca’s late effort over the bar as the hosts looked for an opener. Had little else to do.
Alistair Johnston-5
He had no trouble with Pjaca’s deception, but coped well with the task. Replace during the break after receiving the knock.
Cameron Carter-Vickers-7
Composed on the ball and hard in the tackle. Celtic look much more solid with an American in the team.
Auston Trusty-8
In the right place at the right time to make some crucial cleanups. Brilliant block produced to deny Pjaca.
Greg Taylor-7
Offered a real attacking threat in dominant first 45 for the visitors. Went back in the second period but played a big role in getting the clean sheet.
Callum McGregor-6.5
Quiet night for the captain. Things continued to spiral in the middle, but he couldn’t progress as much as he would have liked.
Reo Hatate-6
Often found space in dangerous areas, but too often the wrong option was chosen. The influence faded as the game progressed.
Paulo Bernardo-7
Given the nod for English and justified his selection. Tried to get the team ahead and did a good job on defense.
Paulo Bernardo curls a free kick over the crossbar in the first half as Celtic threaten
Kyogo is thwarted as he tries to deliver a dangerous Bernardo cross
Nicolas Kuhn-6.5
Somewhere far from his best, but he seemed the man most likely to break the deadlock. Saw a powerful attack in the second half blocked by Bernauer.
Daizen Maeda-5.5
Seemed to have the upper hand over Ristovski early on, but couldn’t create anything of note. Caught in possession a few too many times.
Kyogo Furuhashi-5
Tough evening for rush hour. Forced to eat leftovers for much of the evening and struggled to get the ball.
Substitutes: Ralston (Johnston 45), McCowan (Hatate 65), English (Bernardo 65), Forrest (Maeda 72), Idah (Kyogo 72).
Not used: Sinisalo, Schalen, Palma, Valle, Yang, Nawrocki, Welsh.
Brendan Rodgers-6
Will be happy to secure a valuable point on the road, but perhaps frustrated at not getting all three after seeing the match controlled.
DINAMO ZAGREB (4-2-3-1): Zagorac 6; Ristovski 6.5, Theophile-Catherine 7, Bernauer 6, Pierre-Gabriel 6; Kacavenda 5, Rog 7; Baturina 5.5 (Stojkovic 83), Spikic 6 (Mbuku 73), Pjaca 7 (Hoxha 82); Kulenović 5.
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany) – 6
Attendance — N/A