Celtic fans were left disappointed with the draw against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League this midweek. Perhaps that goes on to show the progress that this side has shown this season. A point away from home in Europe’s top competition is never a bad result for the Hoops. But it does feel like a win was there for the taking this time around.
Unfortunately, Celtic could only get one shot on target against Dinamo Zagreb despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball. The forward line and the midfield play were most certainly disappointing on the night.
The result still leaves Celtic in a decent position to make it to the playoff round of the Champions League. The game against BSC Young Boys does feel like a must-win now though. On the other hand, taking anything away from the match vs Aston Villa would have to be seen as a positive.
How would have Rodgers viewed the draw against Dinamo Zagreb though? As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Pat Bonner said to BBC Radio Scotland:
“I do think Brendan will be, he won’t say it publicly, but he will be very happy with the point.”
At the end of the day, an away point is not a bad result for Celtic even though a win was a possibility on the day. Bonner further continued:
“He will be happy because, coming here, you are never sure how it’s going to pan out.
“He will be very happy that he has come away with a result. Albeit, in the first half, he would have thought they might have gone on to win the game. But that’s not how the story ended up in the second half.
“I watched him on the sideline and coming across the pictures we were watching. He was clapping his hands. At times when Celtic got into positions. I am sure, he will pick up on all of those positives. Other years, we have gone to these venues and probably lost the game. They have come a good distance. Not play brilliantly and come away with a result.”
That is a decent point from Bonner, to be honest. How often have Celtic not played well in the past and still got a result in the Champions League. When you look at it that way, it certainly feels like a better outcome for the Hoops.
Of course, Celtic do not have much time to dwell on that result, no matter which way you look at it. They have a Scottish League Cup final coming up against the Rangers at the weekend. The Hoops will be hoping to win the first trophy of the season and it does not get better than doing it against the Ibrox club.
