In the first match played seven days ago in Russia, the Croatian champion won 3:2 and thus gained a big advantage before the return match in Zagreb.
Bruno Petković was brilliant with two goals, and the winning goal was the work of Iyayi Atiemwen. Marcus Berg and Victor Claesson scored for Krasnodar, though Berg did not arrive in Zagreb and did not play tonight.
Dinamo has been waiting to play a ‘European spring’ for 49 years. Now, for the second time in the last three seasons, they have reached the round of 16.
Recall, two years ago, Dinamo knocked out Victoria Plzen in the last 32, and then lost to Benfica in the round of 16.
Even with the advantage going into Thursday’s return match, relaxing was not an option for the Zagreb club. Dinamo came out aggressively in the first half, with both dangerous attacking plays and solid defense. But Krasnodar maintained the same momentum, and possession was 50/50.
Krasnodar’s keeper was brilliant in goal to keep the Russian side’s net clear for most of the first half, while Livakovic was put to work, too.
But Dinamo got their chance in the 31st minute. In a brilliant attacking play, Jakić found Oršić who scored from ten meters for 1:0! It was Oršić’s 14th goal in European matches for Dinamo.
The second half started with no changes for either side. Dinamo maintained their advantage in the second half, even though Krasnodar seemed to have more ball in possession. The Russian side, however, could not find the way to Livakovic’s net.
The ref added three minutes to the end of the match, in which neither team was able to score. With this victory, Dinamo advances to the round of 16!
The last 16 draw will take place on Friday, February 26 in Nyon at 1 pm.
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