Dinamo defeated Spartak in Trnava in the third round of the Europa League.
In the third round of Group D in the Europa League, Dinamo overcame Spartak in Trnava with a score of 2:1. Dinamo has thus claimed their third win and has come one step closer to securing placement in the second round of the Europa League competition for the first time in 48 years. The last time Dinamo played a ‘European Spring' was in 1970 when they played in the quarter-final of the Cup Winners Cup against Schalke, reports Gol.hr on October 25, 2018.
Spartak and Dinamo played in front of empty stands in Trnava.
The game on Thursday in Trnava was played in front of empty stands as the Slovak club served a penalty for a racist scandal concerning their fans in the first round against Anderlecht.
It was Spartak to take the lead first in the 32nd minute with a goal by Ali Ghorbani, and Dinamo was unable to come back in the first half.
Dinamo's Gavranović and Oršić scored in the second half.
In the second half, however, Mario Gavranović equalized in the 64th minute, and in the 78th minute, Dinamo’s Mislav Oršić sealed the win with a goal for 1:2.
Coach Nenad Bjelica is thrilled after Dinamo's third win in the Europa League.
Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica after winning in Trnava: "I have to be happy with three points and the way the team played, especially in the second half of the game. In the first half we had too many long balls, and at halftime, we said we had to change the game, try the wings. We scored two goals, had a couple of great situations and I was happy with the way the game looked and the players. I'm happy with all three games so far. We're just going up and looking only at ourselves. We now have all the prerequisites for ensuring a Europe spring at Maksimir, in front of our supporters.”
Dinamo should play in a sold out Maksimir stadium for the return match.
Dinamo needs only one point in the return match against Spartak, which will be played in what we believe will be a totally sold out Maksimir stadium. But, we must remember, the northern stands will be closed as Dinamo serves a UEFA penalty.
In the second match of Group D, Anderlecht and Fenerbahce played 2:2 in Brussels.
Dinamo will return to Zagreb this morning just before 1 am when they should be received by fans at Franjo Tudjman Airport.
