CELTIC clocked up their second successive away Champions League scoreless stalemate when they followed the draw against Atalanta in Bergamo with an identical scoreline against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
Whereas the point gained in Italy was hailed as one point won and not two dropped, that was not the feeling last night.
The determined Hoops had their sights set on a victory against Dinamo to hoist their points tally to 11 and greatly boost their chances of a play-off place among Europe’s elite next year.
Parkhead boss Rodgers was somewhat low key as he reflected: “From collating the points, it’s another positive point for us and from a defensive perspective it was really good.
“But I thought the game in the final third lacked quality.
A PUZZLER…Brendan Rodgers wonders how two points got away in Croatia. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“We had enough possession and we built the game well into the final third, but either it broke down or we didn’t quite make the pass or we gave it away.
“So, I just thought the quality of our game on this occasion wasn’t at the standard that we would like.
“If I am being honest, I think we missed an opportunity to win the game. We needed to do more in the attacking side of the game.”
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “We’ve seen all season that the team is set up to attack, but, of course, at this level you’re playing against a level of quality that makes it difficult.
“But we showed that we’re very robust and hard to play through. We had enough of the ball and it was just a case of playing with a greater level of quality and a bit more patience.
“We tried to attack always on the first run or the first pass, so we had to sustain it a little bit more.
“But for effort, commitment, for Champions League away from home, it’s a really good point for us.
IN WITH A SHOUT…Brendan Rodgers encourages his players in Zagreb.
“We’d have loved to have given the supporters the victory for making it all the way out here, but they’ve seen the team taking a step closer to that qualification.”
Scotland’s title kings can now take a breather from the pursuit of European points and take care of business on the domestic front – including preparing for the Premier Sports League Cup Final on Sunday – before the next Champions League challenge next month.
Rodgers’ men are due to host Switzerland’s Young Boys under the lights in the east end of Europe on January 22 and then complete the eight-game qualifying section with a match against Aston Villa in the Midlands a week later.
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