October 22, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb and Shakhtar Donetsk met in the third round of Champions League Group C on Tuesday in Kharkiv as one of the key matches for the Croatian champion in the prestigious European competition this season. The winner would open the doors to the round of 16. 

Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica had minor problems with player injuries on Tuesday. However, captain Ademi started from the first minute, while Petkovic started on the bench with Gavranovic in his place. The Croatian champion played in a 5-4-1 formation with three stoppers, and Olmo and Orsic playing the wings.

Shakhtar came out attacking from the start, with a dangerous play in Dinamo’s box within the first minute. However, it didn’t take long for the Zagreb side to find their form, maintain possession and move for the attack. Dinamo did, however, commit four fouls by the 10th minute, with Stojanović booked for a yellow. 

Shakhtar picked up their attacking game again with another dangerous play in the 13th minute, which was cleared out by Dinamo’s defense for a corner. While they were unlucky then, Shakhtar finally had their chance in the 16th minute for 1:0. 

Conceding the goal seemed to be the wake-up call the Zagreb side needed, who continued to press in Shakhtar’s half for the following five minutes. After Gavranovic failed to finish in the box, Orsic took the ball down the left wing to find the boot of Spanish wonder kid Dani Olmo for the equalizer. The game was 1:1 in the 24th minute. 

Both sides had chances in the minutes that follow as the intensity of the game increased. The game was equal, though Shakhtar maintained slightly better possession (55%). 

Dinamo opened the second half with a stellar chance in the 49th minute when Olmo hit the crossbar. Shakhtar’s defense had to save their goal from Olmo yet again in the 55th. Moments later, a penalty was awarded to Dinamo, which Orsic scored for 1:2. 

Shakhtar had an epic chance to make it 2:2 in the 65th minute, but Moraes just missed. In the 75th minute, however, Shakhtar’s Dodo equalized for 2:2. 

Olmo was unlucky in the final minute of regulation time and the game ended 2:2. 

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October 1, 2019 - Manchester City was better than Dinamo Zagreb (2:0) at Etihad Stadium in the second round of the Champions League on Tuesday. 

Dinamo Zagreb met Manchester City in the second round of the Champions League Group C on Tuesday at Etihad Stadium. Recall, Dinamo topped Atalanta 4:0 in Zagreb in the first round. Both teams secured three points after their first-round matches. 

Dinamo coach Nenad Bjelica had no problem with injured players for Tuesday’s match, while Pep Guardiola was left without Kevin de Bruyne, one of his best. Furthermore, the famous coach still could not count on the John Stones - Aymeric Laporte stopper duo.

Dinamo once again came out with three stoppers. As against Atalanta, in front of Livakovic was Theophile, Peric, and Dilaver, with Stojanovic and Leovac as the backs. In the midfield were Moro, Ademi, Olmo, and Orsic with Petkovic on offense.

Over 1,500 fans traveled from Zagreb to see the spectacle against the Premier League champions. 

Dinamo held their own in the first half, which ended without goals thanks to a stellar defense that made sure Aguero, Mahrez, and David Silva saw none of Dinamo's goal. 

However, whether Dinamo would be able to keep up this stamina in the second half was in question. 

While Dinamo had a few chances to attack at the beginning of the first half, which failed to come to fruition thanks to careless mistakes, City piled on the pressure and put Dinamo’s defense to work much harder than in the first. 

Guardiola subbed Raheem Sterling on for Bernardo Silva in the 57th minute in the hope of some action, and you could tell the celebrated coach was uneasy his side hadn't scored yet.

But then it finally happened for City in the 66th minute - Raheem Sterling scored for 1:0. City dominated and held the majority of the possession in the second half, and Dinamo struggled to get past the halfway line. Dinamo's defense continued denying some of football's biggest players, though a quick counter in extra-time saw Phil Foden score for 2:0, which was the final score of the game. 

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August 29, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb will play in Group C against Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Atalanta. 

On Thursday in Monte Carlo, the Champions League draw was held at 6 pm, reports Gol.hr.

Croatian champion Dinamo also took part in the draw. The Zagreb club has yet another historic opportunity to compete in the elite club competition, a competition it has already participated in seven times.

Dinamo was placed in the third strongest group and could not be drawn with Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen, Red Bull Salzburg, Olympiakos, Club Brugge, Valencia, and Inter.

Thus, Dinamo was drawn into Group C with Manchester City, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Atalanta.

The Champions League group stage will be played in the following terms:

1st Round: 17-18 September

2nd Round: 1-2 October

3rd Round: 22-23 October

4th Round: 5-6 November 

5th Round: 26-27 November 

6th Round: 10-11 December 

During the draw, the best players of the Champions League last season were also announced. Namely, the best goalkeeper is Alisson Becker, the best defender went to Virgil Van Dijk, best midfielder to Frenkie de Jong, and best forward to Lionel Messi. The UEFA President's Award went to Eric Cantona.

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Could the famous Maksimir stadium in Zagreb soon be bidding us farewell in favour of a brand new construction?  As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 28th of August, 2019, by all accounts, it seems that the City of Zagreb and Dinamo Zagreb are embarking on a joint action to build a brand new stadium in place of the current one.

After Dinamo's recent move to the Champions League, club president Mirko Barišić made a statement to the press.

"The decision is that Dinamo stays on at Maksimir, an entire complex is being constructed. The construction of an athletic stadium in Svetice is one, and an underground garage is being built. This stadium is being demolished and a new one is being built," he announced to the public in a very straightforward manner.

Zagreb's longtime Mayor Milan Bandić also commented on this topic.

"Dinamo sent the proposal the other day. Talks and arrangements will follow. The City of Zagreb will build the most beautiful stadium suitable for the 21st century at the existing stadium's location. It will create the best athletic track in Svetice, one of an Olympic scale, and we have already made the pool," the mayor stated encouragingly.

Could the widely celebrated Dinamo Zagreb soon be playing in one of the most beautiful stadium's possible, in Mayor Bandić's own words? As with the majority of other projects in Zagreb, which without mentioning specific names, dates and places, which didn't quite go to plan - only time will tell.

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August 27, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb and Rosenborg played 1:1 in the second leg of the Champions League play-off round on Tuesday. Recall, Dinamo won 2:0 at Maksimir last week, thus defending their lead from the first game which secured them a spot in the Champions League group stage, reports Gol.hr.

Dinamo lived dangerously in Trondheim, played a disastrous first half, but was rescued thanks to a brilliant move and a goal by Amer Gojak 19 minutes before the final whistle. Rosenborg proved to be a tough opponent, they played well in the first half, but in the second they fell both physically and mentally, which the Croatian champion used to their advantage to advance to the prestigious European competition.

Interestingly, Dinamo has not lost in the qualifications for the European Cup for eight years, that is, since their appearance against Malmo. 

For the seventh time in the history of the club, Dinamo has advanced to the Champions League group stage. However, they have never gone further in their six appearances so far, and in their 36 games played, they have won four, drawn five and managed 27 defeats with a 22:82 goal difference.

The Champions League group stage draw will be held on Thursday at 6 pm at Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Dinamo Zagreb has already secured around 25 million euro by placing into the Champions League. 

Lineups:

ROSENBORG: Hansen - Hedenstad (Ceide, 84), Reginiussen, Hovland, Meling - Jensen, Lundemo (Trondsen, 73), Konradsen - Akintola (de Lanlay, 74), Soderlung, Adebenro

DINAMO: Livaković - Stojanović, Dilaver, Perić, Leovac - Moro - Hajrović (Gojak, 66), Ademi, Olmo (Gavranović, 90+1), Oršić (Atiemwen, 81) - Petković

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August 21, 2019 - Dinamo welcomed Rosenborg in the first round of the Champions League play-offs on Wednesday night at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb. 

In front of 27,000 fans, Dinamo already took the lead in the 8th minute when Bruno Petković nailed a penalty after being taken down in the box.  In the 28th minute, the Croatian champion increased their lead to 2:0 when a long ball by goalkeeper Dominik Livaković found the boot of Mislav Oršić, who charged the Norwegian defense and ultimately nutmegged the keeper for the goal, reports Gol.hr

Dinamo had several other good opportunities, most notably missed by captain Arijan Ademi and Nikola Moro. The Norwegian club also threatened several times, but Dominik Livaković kept a clean slate. 

The return match in Trondheim is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27. The duel at Lerkendal Stadium will begin at 9 pm.

Unless they lose by three goals, Dinamo will secure a spot in Monte Carlo on August 29 (6 pm) in the tough draw for the Champions League group stage. 

In the event they lose, the Croatian champion will move to the draw of the Europa League group stage on 30 August (1 pm), a competition the club welcomed last spring and was eliminated in the round of 16 to Benfica.

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August 13, 2019 - Dinamo Zagreb met Ferencvaros in the second leg of the third round of the Champions League qualifiers on Tuesday.

Dinamo Zagreb and Ferencvaros played at the Groupama Arena in Budapest for the return game of the Champions League qualifiers. Recall, the first match played a week ago at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb ended 1:1. Dinamo, however, was much better in the first game with far more chances than Ferencvaros, though the Hungarian club’s perseverance paid off for the draw.

Both teams came out motivated, powerful, and on a mission to do only one thing on Tuesday night - win. From the first minute, Ferencvaros already had an attack which Dinamo goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved. One minute later, Hajrović threatened the Hungarian goal. 

Both teams continued to attack, though it was Dinamo to score first. A brilliant through ball by Spanish star Dani Olmo found captain Ardijan Ademi for 0:1 Dinamo in the 16th minute. The game ended 0:1 at the half. 

It didn’t take long for Dinamo to increase their lead as an assist from Orišić found Petković for 0:2 in the 47th minute. Less than 10 minutes later, Dinamo made sure they confirmed their place in the Champions League as Dani Olmo scored for 0:3

From the 68th minute, Dinamo played with a man up as Ferencvaros player Ćivić was sent off the pitch for a double yellow. Dinamo's victory was all but confirmed.

With just over 10 minutes to go, Gojak capitalized off the deflection of Majer's rocket of a shot for 0:4. Dinamo was gifted a penalty just a few minutes before the final whistle, though Petković shanked it over the goal to keep the score 0:4 for Dinamo. 

Dinamo will now move onto the Champions League playoffs where Rosenborg, who defeated Maribor 3:1 in Norway, will be their opponent. 

Apart from the result, this game also had significant financial importance. Dinamo will secure almost 8 million euros, as UEFA gives five million euros to all clubs that participate in the Champions League playoffs. Those who are defeated in the playoffs will receive another 2.92 million euros from participating in the Europa League. Dinamo’s eventual placement in the Champions League brings 15.25 million euros. 

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Dinamo Zagreb went without a win in the first leg of the third round of the Champions League qualifiers. 

Dinamo and Hungarian club Ferencvaros played 1:1 at Maksimir in the first leg of the third round of the Champions League qualifiers. In front of 15,000 spectators, the goalscorer for Dinamo was Spanish star Dani Olmo while David Siger equalized for Ferencvaros, reports Gol.hr on August 6, 2019.

Already in the 3rd minute, Dani Olmo threatened Ferencvaros with a shot from 16 meters out, but goalkeeper Dibusz was on his toes to make the save. However, in the 7th minute, Oršić and Olmo’s extraordinary attack resulted in Dinamo's lead. Oršić played Dani Olmo, who then nutmegged Siger and nailed the corner of the Ferencvaros goal. In the 45th minute, Hajrović’s attempt for a goal was defended, and Ademi's header flew by the goal post.

The Hungarian club was much more determined in the second half and equalized in the 59th minute thanks to their first dangerous attack towards Dinamo's goal. Nguen shot on goal, which was defended by Livaković from about ten meters, though Siger capitalized on the deflection and nailed the Dinamo goal. Some of Dinamo's defenders managed to get the ball out, but the referee estimated that the ball had crossed the goal line.

In the 65th minute, Dinamo had an incredible opportunity when Hajrović hit the post from nine meters out. In the 81st minute, Olmo shot from just outside the penalty area, which was denied by the goalkeeper,  and Gavranović failed to capitalize on the deflection. 

The return match between these two clubs is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13, at the Groupama Arena in Budapest.

Since Dinamo did not manage to win against Ferencvaros in front of their fans, the decision on who will move forward will fall in Budapest. 

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Dinamo Zagreb topped Georgian club Saburtalo both home and away to move to the next round of Champions League qualifications.

Dinamo overcame Georgian club Saburtalo 3:0 in the return match of the second Champions League qualifying round on Thursday, and thus went 5:0 overall to advance to the third qualifying round against Hungarian club Ferencvaros, reports Gol.hr on July 30, 2019.

In the first match in Tbilisi, Dinamo won 2:0, though the return match was much harder for the Zagreb club than expected. Not only did they have to play behind closed doors thanks to a UEFA ban, but the Georgian club had three great chances in the first half which could have potentially shocked the Croatian champion. 

Fortunately, Mislav Oršić cleared any doubts in the 77th minute for 1:0, while Bruno Petković confirmed the Dinamo victory in the 89th minute for 2:0. Interestingly, Oršić and Petković were also the goalscorers in Tbilisi. In the last moments of the match, Spanish superstar Dani Olmo also scored in his first appearance this season for the 3:0 win. 

Dinamo will play against Ferencvaros in the third qualifying round. The Hungarian club beat Valletta 3:1 in their first match in Budapest, while they finished 1:1 in Ta'Qali. 

The first match is scheduled for Tuesday in Zagreb, followed by the return match in Budapest.

Dinamo hosted Saburtalo behind closed doors as they served a UEFA punishment for using pyrotechnics, blocking the stairs and racist behavior during last season's match against Benfica. Dinamo received a two-game ban, though one game is conditional and will be activated if Dinamo is punished again within a two-year period.

For the fifth time in the history of the club, Dinamo played in front of empty stands and achieved their second victory.

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June 19, 2019 - Croatian clubs Dinamo, Osijek, and Hajduk have learned of their opponents in the Champions League and Europa League for the 2019/20 season. 

Namely, Dinamo Zagreb will kick off their Champions League campaign this year in the 2nd qualifying round where they will meet the winner of FC Sheriff Tiraspol from Moldova and FC Saburtalo from Georgia. 

The first match will be played in Moldova or Georgia on July 23 and 24, while the return match will be held on July 30 or 31 at Maksimir in Zagreb.

With its coefficient of 29,500, Dinamo had the status of a top seed in the first qualifying round draw. 

ℹ️ The official result of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round draw.

(matches 23/24 July & 30/31 July)#UCLdraw pic.twitter.com/Ms1mGm0Jr2

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 19, 2019

Sheriff is expected to advance over Saburtalo, and Dinamo should make it to the 3rd qualifying round. Otherwise, Sheriff is an old acquaintance of Zagreb, and in the last decade, they have met three times in the qualifying rounds for the Champions League. In 2010, the Moldavian club went ahead thanks to a penalty shoot-out, while there was no dilemma in 2012 - Dinamo celebrated 5:0. In 2013, the draw coupled the two clubs again, and Dinamo went through with a 4:0 aggregate.

In the Europa League, Hajduk Split will meet Gzira United from Malta in the 1st qualifying round of the competition. If they advance, they will face the winner of FK Ventspils and Teuta. 

Osijek will enter the competition in the 2nd qualifying round and unfortunately pulled the most difficult rival. Namely, Osijek will play against the better of CSKA Sofia and Montenegrin club OFK Titograd. CSKA Sofia was a club both Osijek and Hajduk, who were in the same group for the draw, wanted to avoid.

The biggest stars of the Bulgarian club, which finished second in the championship with five points behind Ludogorets in first, are Portuguese midfielder Tiago Rodrigues and Ruben Pinto. According to Transfermarkt, CSKA is worth eight million euros more than Osijek, and Titograd is nine times more expensive.

If Hajduk advances past the Malta club, they will play against Ventspils from Latvia or Teuta from Albania. In the clash of the Latvian and Albanian teams, it is difficult to determine the favorite. Ventspils only secured fifth place in the championship this season. Teuta came in third last season and was led by former Hajduk player Tomislav Bušić.

The first matches of the 2nd qualifying round are played on July 25, with the return match one week later. Osijek and Hajduk will play away in the first round. 

Rijeka is included in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League and will be a top seed. 

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