Celtic stretched their unbeaten Champions League run to four matches after securing another valuable away point against Dinamo Zagreb to leave progression to the latter stages in their grasp.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have now accumulated nine points, with a home tie against Young Boys to follow in January, followed by a trip to Aston Villa.

Their search for an elusive away win in this competition goes on, though, the last being against Anderlecht under Rodgers seven years ago.

Against a Zagreb side struggling for form and hampered by an injury avalanche, Celtic sensed an opportunity and started confidently, controlling the ball for long spells, but they just could not open up their opponents.

In the first half, they only had a 20-yard Paulo Bernardo free kick that sailed narrowly over to show for their efforts, despite close to 70% possession.

Dinamo were defensively disciplined, constantly closing spaces that Celtic looked to exploit and make it count on the counter.

That script ought to have played out when Sandra Kulenovic found himself in space in the box, but he sent the ball woefully wide before missing another gilt-edged chance.

After the break, the tempo from both sides increased and space opened up.

Nicolas Kuhn cut inside and took on Maxime Bernauer, but the defender got in a great block to send the ball behind.

Dinamo responded, with Martin Baturina twice denied before Kyogo almost nipped in from close range and Carter-Vickers could not convert the loose ball.

It was the hosts who came closest late on. Kasper Schmeichel brilliantly denied Marko Pjaca, whose header appeared to be creeping under the bar before the Dane got a fabulous touch over to secure another welcome point.

Celtic came into this fixture knowing three points all but guaranteed progress to the latter stages of the Champions League.

Their haul of one remains of good value, extending their unbeaten run and leaving progression very much there for the taking. They are clearly evolving at this level, given the points tally keeps ticking on.

The only slight frustration might be the lack of direct threat, especially having had so much of the ball in the opening half.

It felt like a game they had a real chance of winning at that stage.

With that home fixture to come against Young Boys in January, they will turn their attention to the Scottish League Cup final against Rangers at Hampden on Sunday.

Source: BBC