July 28, 2021 - Dinamo Zagreb won a spot in the Champions League 3rd qualifying round after defeating Omonia 1:0 in the return match in Nicosia, thus confirming their 2:0 victory from the first match at Maksimir. 

Luka Menalo scored the deciding goal in the 79th minute. Dinamo arrived in Cyprus with a two-goal advantage and not only managed to defend the advantage but also recorded a new victory, reports HRT.

In the next round, Dinamo will play against the Polish club Legia. If they win, Dinamo would be left with another obstacle on the way to the Champions League, but also a secured spot in the Europa League. Namely, a defeat in the last qualifying round of the Champions League ensures they'll compete in one of the Europa League groups.

If they lose to Legia, they would play in the Europa League play-offs. Winning that round means a place in the Europa League, and a defeat in the Europa League play-offs, in turn, guarantees a place in the Conference League group.

The first match against Legia will be played in Zagreb on August 4, and the return match in Poland will take place on August 10.

Dinamo traveled to Cyprus with two consecutive victories, against Cyprus in Zagreb and then against Hrvatski Dragovoljac (4:0), which improved the impression of the Blues after losing the opening of the Croatian championship to Slaven Belupo.

The coach of the Croatian champion Damir Krznar is satisfied with moving into the next round of the competition.

"The goal has been met, and that is the most important thing. It was a tough match in which our toughest opponent was the pitch. Understandably, we had problems and difficulties. In the second half, when the field became a bit wetter, our performance was better. I am delighted with the smart and wise game and the result," said the Dinamo coach after the victory over Omonia.

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July 21, 2021 - Dinamo defeats Omonia at Maksimir in the first match of the Champions League 2nd qualifying round.

Shocked after losing at home to Slaven Belupo to open the new HNL season, Dinamo set off on Tuesday against Omonia looking for redemption and to continue on the road that leads to the Champions League group stage. However, the experienced Nicosia team proved to be a powerful opponent, although Damir Krznar sent out the Croatian champion's strongest lineup.

Fortunately, Dinamo defeated Cypriot club Omonia 2:0 (0:0) in the first match of the Champions League 2nd qualifying round on Tuesday at Maksimir.

Lovro Majer scored the leading goal for Dinamo in the 65th minute. Kristijan Jakić increased Dinamo's lead with a header in the 81st minute. The return match is scheduled for one week, July 27. 

Coach Damir Krznar can be happy with the win and worried about the injured Ademi and Ivanušec. How serious their injuries are will be shown by additional tests.

"Behind us is the first half that we finished with a 2:0 lead, but the game is still going on. Therefore, our advantage is grateful, but we will have to do our best to keep it in the second game, but the aim is to increase ou advantage," Krznar said at the press conference and added:

"Omonia did not surprise us. They did what they normally do, extremely organized in the 4-4-2 system on the defensive; throughout the week, the basic instruction was - be patient. We are a better team, but every team against such teams can have problems. Ademi's injury also contributed to the weaker first half.

Ivanušec is fine, Ademi does not look good at first glance, but we will know more after the examination. He is tormented by his quadriceps and limp, and Ivanušec received a blow to the chest and ran out of air. It's okay now. Ademi did not recognize whether it was from a tackle or the muscle gave way," said Krznar.

The winner of this round will advance to the 3rd qualifying round and play against the winner of Polish club Legia and the Estonian champion Flora, while the defeated teams will move to the Europa League's 3rd qualifying round. 

Source: HRT

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