A drab draw against Dinamo didn’t exactly electrify the travelling Celtic support in Zagreb.
But it certainly charged up the callers rushing to have their say on the Hotline. Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, was first to dial in as he said: “After a hard fought draw in Europe’s elite competition, you have to say a record of played six games and lost just once is more than satisfying. There are definitely no easy games in the Champions League and after beating Young Boys, Brendan Rodgers will relish the chance of pitting his wits against a top class Aston Villa side.”
Gordon Ashley, Ayr, added: “Another good point on the road and a healthy wedge of cash in the bank after drawing with the champions of Croatia. The money we make out of this if we make the play-offs is going to be eye watering, Caller George Wilson should think of this as Spurs’ B team run down the tunnel at Ibrox in the Mickey Mouse Battle of Britain, with half the country unaware it's even on.”
Theo Hodelet, Bishopton, emailed in: "So Rodgers says disappointment at drawing against Dinamo shows how far his team have come. I’d say they have hit rock bottom with two away points out of nine. That’s a pretty low bar if he is happy with that. How the Celtic fans put up with this guff from Rodgers beggars belief!”
Rangers fan Chris Lowe, Yoker, said: “With Celtic only managing two away group stage wins in 32 years since the Champions League started, is it any wonder they’re celebrating a draw against a team Dunfermline would have given a game to? The Rangers team they say has no tangible assets have won in France, Spain and Sweden in the last year. I suppose, winning away in Europe isn’t for everyone…”
Kenny Wilson, Moffat, said: “Far from a good performance from Celtic but it’s a point closer to the play-offs. Was a pretty dire game with very few chances. With the bulk of possession we have to create more if we want to continue to improve at this level and should be beating teams like this. But on to Sunday now against another average team and let’s hope for a better show.”
The Premier Sports Cup final will have to wait as Gers prepare first for Tottenham’s Europa League visit. Stateside reader Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said ahead of under-pressure Ange Postecoglou’s return to Glasgow: “I’ve watched a number of live Spurs games lately. They lost seven Premier League fixtures and most of them were because of bad defending.
“As a team they are worth over £1billion but this Tottenham side were all over the shop against Chelsea at the weekend. If Rangers get space like that, they’ll surely score goals.”
The Light Blues are heading back to Hampden on Sunday as the holders take on the Premiership champions. And Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, can’t wait: “The final on Sunday looks a lot more intriguing with Celtic going through a patch where they’re showing no fizz, flair or fight while Rangers are experiencing a resurgence at the right time. It could be a close game, decided by one little touch of magic from either side.”
