POINTS PRIZES

Celts let Dinamo off the hook but battling draw takes Bhoys a step closer to mission accomplished

- CRAIG SWANA

BRENDAN RODGERS had no doubts this was the day when Celtic could win away. But his team just didn’t do enough to dispose of depleted Dinamo.

There had to be mixed emotions once it was done and dusted in the Balkans. Given the club’s endless catalogue of away nightmares at this stage of the competition, a point away from home is to be welcomed.

The second successive clean sheet on the road to back up Bergamo against Atalanta also gave Rodgers’ team another vital point in their quest for the play-offs.

With two games to go, they are on the brink of making it to the next phase with just one defeat in six league matches and that’s the target.

Yet Celtic may feel this is one where they could have got that first away victory in seven years.

Facing a team out of form and struggling for results in their own backyard, hopes were high Rodgers’ team could take advantage and inflict more damage on the Croats. But the visitors just couldn’t find their fluent best.

For all Dinamo’s issues, they were strong and resolute. They defended with bravery and diligence and, in truth, they had some great looks of their own.

Celtic dominated the game for large chunks in terms of possession and they had control of the ball for lengthy spells. But there just wasn’t the fluency or the tempo the manager would have wanted.

In some respects, it felt like one that got away. A golden opportunity not able to be taken.

However, when all is said and done, Rodgers and his team remain on target to achieve their ultimate goal of making the play-offs.