Celtic round off group stages with defeat in Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb 4 Celtic 3

Celtic concluded their Europa League Group D campaign with a 4-3 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in a free-scoring encounter at the Stadion Maksimir. Celtic, already qualified, started a far from full-strength side and fell behind to Marko Pjaca's strike after 14 minutes before goals from Kris Commons and Stefan Scepovic had the visitors ahead.

However, Pjaca levelled with a deflected shot and he claimed his hat-trick five minutes after the break after the lead had been regained through Marcelo Brozovic.

Dinamo defender Josip Pivaric put through his own goal with nine minutes remaining and Scepovic almost grabbed a late equaliser with a header. However, when the final whistle sounded, Ronny Deila's side were left with eight points from six games.

The draw for the last-32 is next week and the Celtic boss admitted his side would need to improve if they were to go further in the tournament, a prediction confirmed against Dinamo.

However, the Scottish champions should be back at full strength by the next round in February, notwithstanding any players who come in or leave during the transfer window.