Dinamo Defeats Valur for Spot in 2nd Champions League Qualifying Round

Daniela Rogulj

Updated on:

Marko Lukunic / PIXSELL
Marko Lukunic / PIXSELL

Croatian football champion Dinamo advanced to the 2nd qualifying round of the Champions League after defeating Valur 2:0 in the return match of the first round of the competition in Reykjavik. In the first match at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, Dinamo celebrated 3:2.

Luka Ivanušec scored in the 31st minute for 1:0, and Mislav Oršić in the 89th minute for the final 2:0. 

Dinamo won 3:2 in Zagreb last week after having a 3:0 lead and a missed penalty in the 82nd minute, after which the guests scored two goals in the last five minutes of the game. This time, Dinamo did not allow any drama. 

In the second qualifying round, Dinamo will play against Cypriot club Omonia. The first match is in Zagreb next week and the return match in Nicosia.

After Dinamo was weakened in the first match by playing without Croatia national team players, Damir Krznar did not want to risk anything this time, so from the first minute, Mislav Oršić, Bruno Petković, and Luka Ivanušec were in the team. Interestingly, a chance was also given to the Swiss Francois Moubandje, who has not been in Dinamo’s plans so far and spent last season on loan at Alanyaspor.

“We can be satisfied; we have achieved our goal, the second round of qualifications follows, against Omonia Cyprus. Now we are shifting the focus to that game, and before that to the beginning of the HNL, i.e., Slaven Belupo. This match – calm, routine, again in some moments with black holes, but considering the beginning, all this is understandable, mostly, all in all – satisfied,” said Dinamo coach Damir Krznar after the match.

It was not complete domination as in the first match at Maksimir.

“Valur stood firmly in the block without wanting to open, they increased their line, and that on this artificial grass slows down and makes the game harder. However, we were patient, and after 1:0, the matter was resolved,” said Krznar and added:

“They created some chances from our mistakes, and we will have to work on that. But, it cost us nothing, and we move on.”

Source: HRT

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