The Croatian champion has surpassed Astana in the third qualifying round of the Champions League to reach the playoffs.
Dinamo defeated Astana 1:0 in the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League in Zagreb, and thus overcame the Kazakhstani team with a total of 3:0 to enter the playoff round of the competition where they await the Swiss champions Young Boys. This was also Dinamo’s 200th match in European competitions since the club has represented Croatia, reports Gol.hr on August 14, 2018.
Dinamo has now secured a European autumn because even if they lose to the Young Boys, they will play in the Europa League group stage.
The Croatian champion routinely maintained the advantage achieved a week ago in the capital of Kazakhstan. Although they did not show too much ambition offensively, Dinamo was entirely in control of the game, and Astana did not find a way to seriously threaten Dinamo’s net.
In the first half, Dinamo had two good chances in front of Astana’s goal, but Izet Hajrović's shot in the 18th minute was defended by the Astana goalkeeper, and Arijan Ademi missed in the 43rd minute. Astana had only one opportunity in the first half.
Dinamo continued with their chances in the second half, but it wasn’t until the 74th minute when Leovac found the head of Gavranović to give Dinamo the 1:0 lead.
Dinamo will play the Swiss champions, the Young Boys, in the next round. The first match will be played on August 22nd in Bern, and on August 28th in Zagreb.
