Kovačević after the rout: Thun was a stronger opponent
Dinamo dismantled Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, practically securing a spot in the play-offs.
Dinamo dismantled Kauno Žalgiris 5:0 at Maksimir in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, practically securing a spot in the play-offs.
Dinamo's footballers have taken a convincing step toward the Champions League play-offs. In the first match of the third qualifying round at Maksimir on August 4, 2026, they defeated Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris 5:0. Coach Mario Kovačević did not hide his satisfaction after the match but also sent a clear message about the perceived strength of his team.
Although the guests, led by Croatian coach Željko Sopić, maintained a disciplined low block for the first half-hour, their resistance was broken in the 31st minute. Miha Zajc beat goalkeeper Švedkauskas with a shot from the edge of the penalty area, the ball awkwardly slipping over his palms and going in off the post. Just two minutes later, McKenna doubled the lead from close range, effectively settling the outcome.
In the second half, Dinamo continued their offensive. Luka Stojković, who was at the heart of most dangerous attacks, made it 4:0 with a precise strike from about 15 meters, after which the return leg became a mere formality. Stojković had threatened earlier, and his partnership with Mateo Lisica, who was preferred over Fran Topić, was one of the key mechanisms in the Blues' play.
Dinamo's strategist addressed the favorite's role that is being thrust upon the club. "I don't shy away from the favorite's role; Thun was a stronger opponent. When you play against the Swiss champions, we can't be Goliath and they David. That's how it was wrongly portrayed in the media, and it may have confused the players a bit. We're going to win the return leg as well," Mario Kovačević stated for HRT.
He also commented on Kačavenda's return and goal. "Last year, I was sorry when Kačavenda went on loan. I didn't allow him to leave this season. I'm happy for him; he's had a lot of injuries. I wish him as few as possible in the future," Kovačević said. He also announced that the team would seek a win in the return leg and would soon start scouting the next potential opponent, Norway's Viking.
Alongside the convincing victory, the best news for Dinamo is the growing competition within the squad. After the drama against Thun and the fine-tuning of striker Beljo against Slaven Belupo, Kovačević has further extended the roster. According to estimates, 15 or 16 players will soon be vying for a starting spot. "We'll start scouting Viking a bit, but now we have seven days of peace," the coach added, hinting at a calmer rhythm after a demanding run of matches.
The atmosphere at Maksimir was best captured by the club's social media post featuring a photo of Luka Stanzl: "The North sings the city its most beautiful ballad."
