Dinamo Zagreb opened their eighth appearance in the Champions League group stage at Maksimir stadium with a victory against former European and English champions Chelsea. The deciding goal was scored by Mislav Oršić in the 13th minute.
Chelsea won direct placement in the Champions League after finishing third place in the Premier League last season. The Croatian champion played three qualifying rounds to secure a place among the European football elite. They clinched a spot in the group stage after beating Bodo/Glimt.
Chelsea took the initiative from the first minute, but it didn’t take long for Dinamo to answer back. In the 13th minute, Dinamo countered and converted the attack into a goal by Mislav Oršić.
The action started with Robert Ljubičić, who sent a long ball to Bruno Petković. Bruno passed it to Oršić, who dribbled past Wesley Fofana, a new Chelsea player who arrived from Leicester City for 82 million euros. Oršić ran about 50 meters and beat goalkeeper Kepa for 1:0!
Chelsea equalized in the 48th minute, but Aubameyang’s goal was ultimately called offside. In the 56th minute, Dinamo was one step closer to a second goal, but Stefan Ristovski’s fantastic shot hit the crossbar.
Reece James also hit the post in the 85th minute. Mateo Kovačić played for Chelsea until the 59th minute.
RB Salzburg and Milan meet in the second match from this group at 21:00.
Dinamo plays their next Champions League match on Wednesday, September 14, at San Siro against Milan.
Lineups
DINAMO: Livaković – Ristovski, Perić, J. Šutalo – Moharrami, Mišić, Ademi, Ljubičić – Ivanušec – Petković, Oršić
CHELSEA: Arrizabalaga – Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Fofana – James, Kovačić, Mount, Chilwell – Havertz, Sterling – Aubameyang
To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
