Home Sports Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic – PLAYER RATINGS: Who made brilliant block to keep scores level? Which player justified selection in midfield? Who endured a tough night at the office?

Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic – PLAYER RATINGS: Who made brilliant block to keep scores level? Which player justified selection in midfield? Who endured a tough night at the office?

0 comments
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was frustrated not to see his team win in Zagreb.

Celtic took a step closer to qualifying for the Champions League round of 16 after earning a well-earned point in Zagreb.

The visitors dominated much of the afternoon, but struggled to find the advantage needed to break the deadlock.

Nicolas Kuhn had a powerful second-half effort blocked before Auston Trusty and Kasper Schmeichel thwarted Marko Pjaca late on.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will take on Young Boys at Celtic Park, where a win will all but ensure progression in the competition.

A delightful trip to Aston Villa in the final match will complete the group stage.

Here, Kevin McKenna gives his verdict on the players who were in action on a grueling night at the Stadion Maksimir.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was frustrated not to see his team win in Zagreb.

It was a positive point along the way for the Glasgow team in the midst of a hostile environment.

It was a positive point along the way for the Glasgow team in the midst of a hostile environment.

Auston Trusty was a rock at the heart of the visiting defense all night

Auston Trusty was a rock at the heart of the visiting defense all night

CELTIC (4-3-3)

Kasper Schmeichel — 7

He reacted well to deflect Pjaca’s late effort over the bar as the hosts searched for the first goal. He had very little to do otherwise.

Alistair Johnston-5

He had to face Pjaca’s tricks, but he withstood the task well. Replaced at half-time after taking a knock.

Cameron Carter-Vickers – 7

Calm with the ball and tough in the tackle. Celtic look much stronger when the American is in the team.

Reliable Auston – 8

In the right place at the right time to make a series of vital head clearances. Produced a brilliant block to deny Pjaca.

Greg Taylor – 7

Offered a real attacking threat in a dominant first 45 minutes for the visitors. Forced back in the second half but played a big part in getting the clean sheet.

Callum McGregor – 6.5

Quiet night for the captain. He kept things going in the middle but unable to move forward as much as he would have liked.

Reo-Hatate — 6

He often found space in dangerous areas, but too often he chose the wrong option. The influence faded as the game progressed.

Pablo Bernardo — 7

He gave the nod ahead to Engels and justified his selection. He tried to put the team ahead and performed the defensive tasks well.

Paulo Bernardo hits a first-half free kick over the crossbar as Celtic threaten

Paulo Bernardo hits a first-half free kick over the crossbar as Celtic threaten

Kyogo is frustrated when he tries to convert a dangerous cross from Bernardo.

Kyogo is frustrated when he tries to convert a dangerous cross from Bernardo.

Nicholas Kuhn — 6.5

Somewhat off his best, but he looked like the man most likely to break the deadlock. In the second half a powerful shot was blocked by Bernauer.

Daizen Maeda—5.5

He seemed to have the best of Ristovski from the start, but was unable to create anything notable. Caught in possession too many times.

Kyogo Furuhashi-5

Tough night up front for the forward. Forced to feed on scraps for much of the night and struggled to concentrate.

Substitutes: Ralston (Johnston 45), McCowan (Hatate 65), Engels (Bernardo 65), Forrest (Maeda 72), Idah (Kyogo 72).

Unused: Sinisalo, Scales, Palma, Valle, Yang, Nawrocki, Welsh.

Brendan Rodgers—6

They will be delighted to get a valuable point away from home, but may be frustrated at not getting all three after seeing the team control the match.

DINAMO ZAGREB (4-2-3-1): Zagorac 6; Ristovski 6.5, Théophile-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

Assistance – N/A

You may also like