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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Joe Donnelly

Marko Pjaca reflects on near miss that could have killed Celtic in Croatia

Marko Pjaca has reflected on the header that almost cost Celtic their matchday six efforts in the UEFA Champions League last night (Tuesday) at the Maksimir Stadium.

After dominating the first half in Croatia, Celtic struggled to penetrate Dinamo Zagreb in the final third as the home side forced their way into the match with a handful of half-chances at the opposite end.

Pjaca gleaned the home side's best of the night in the closing stages, when a powerful header from the forward was tipped over the crossbar by Kasper Schmeichel.

Speaking to Croatian outlet HNK after the match, Pjaca said (via Google): "We played a good and solid game. [Celtic] are in very good form. We can be proud.

"The most realistic result is 0-0, although it remains a pity because we had a few chances. I had that chance with my head, but the goalkeeper saved it, what is there is there.

"Let's go play the next game in the [Croatian Football League] with this approach and there will be no problems.

"In the first half [Celtic] had more of the ball, but in the second half we stopped a little more. The most important competition for us is the championship.

"We haven't been good lately. We want to show the fans and ourselves that we can play well. The only way we can compete in Europe again is through the championship."


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Echoing the sentiments of Pjaca, teammate Stefan Ristovski added: "I am satisfied, I congratulated the boys, the approach was right, but I am sorry that we did not score a goal.

"I am glad that we showed that we are still alive [in the competition]. We started cautiously, but the energy was there.

"We were alive, we played a very good game. The focus is now on the [league]. We have problems, but we will not give up. Some humiliate us and write us off."

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