Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is confident his rejuvenated squad can end the club’s seven-year wait for an away win in the UEFA Champions League group stages as they face Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia tonight. The last time the Hoops celebrated an away victory in Europe’s elite competition was a commanding 3-0 win against Anderlecht in 2017, during Rodgers’ first tenure.
With eight points from five group matches this season, including a resolute 0-0 draw at Atalanta, Celtic sits at the brink of a significant milestone. Rodgers views this clash as the perfect moment to showcase the team’s evolution and take the “next step” on the European stage.
“To win away from home in the Champions League is not just about the points; it’s about the pride and belief it brings to the club and supporters,” Rodgers said at the Maksimir Stadium. “We’ve proven we can defend against top teams, and now it’s about blending that with our attacking prowess to achieve a breakthrough.”
Dinamo Zagreb, currently third in the Croatian league and winless in their last five matches, may seem vulnerable, but Rodgers is wary of underestimating the opposition. With seven points in their Champions League campaign, Dinamo remains just one behind Celtic. “In this competition, form matters little when the stakes are high. Every team is motivated to win,” Rodgers warned.
A victory would be pivotal for Celtic, currently ranked 20th in the 36-team competition, as it would solidify their position in the top 24 and enhance their chances of reaching the play-off round.
Despite the looming Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers on Sunday, Rodgers insists the focus remains firmly on the Zagreb match. “Every game as a Celtic player and manager carries immense importance,” he stated.
The clash promises to be a defining moment for Celtic as they aim to rewrite their European narrative and bolster their standing on the continental stage. The match kicks off at 5:45 PM GMT, with live coverage on VM Two and TNT Sports 2.
