Dinamo hosts Kauno Žalgiris on Tuesday at 8 PM in the third qualifying round. The Lithuanian champions arrive with a Croatian contingent led by Željko Sopić, with Kalik and Debeljuh also featuring in the final training session.
Dinamo's players completed their final training session on Monday ahead of the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Kauno Žalgiris, with Maksimir also hosting the Lithuanian champions, who held their final preparations under the watchful eye of Željko Sopić. The former Dinamo coach brought reinforcements well known to the Croatian audience to the Zagreb stadium.
The match, scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8 PM, carries a strong Croatian mark on both sides. While Dinamo aims to take a step toward the Champions League play-offs, they face a Lithuanian side packed with players who left their mark on the HNL. Alongside the already familiar Leon Kreković and Ivan Fiolić, Sopić has registered two more ahead of the clash: 28-year-old Australian-Croatian Anthony Kalik, formerly of Rudeš, Gorica, and Hajduk, and 29-year-old Gabriel Debeljuh from Pula.
"Debeljuh trained with us once, Kalik arrived at the hotel on Monday. We'll make the best decision for the club and Lithuanian football," Sopić said somewhat cryptically at the press conference, as reported by Slobodna Dalmacija.
Kauno Žalgiris attacking midfielder Ivan Fiolić feels at home at Maksimir. "I grew up here, took my first steps, and started playing football. It will be a special night for us; we have to give our all," said Fiolić, who has already faced Dinamo in the shirts of Lokomotiva, Gorica, and Osijek. He also has a fond memory: "I've already scored against Dinamo, and nothing will change. I won't celebrate if I score."
Željko Sopić does not hide his emotions ahead of returning to the city where he himself began his career. "It's a big day for all of us, especially for me. I came to my city to fight for the Champions League," he stated, adding: "It's like asking me which child I love more... This is my job; I'm on the opposite side, and I'll give my all to win."
He is aware of the difference in quality but does not come with a white flag. "Don't think I'm stupid and don't understand the quality gap between us and Dinamo. But we know the stakes; I know what it means to Dinamo to play at Maksimir, carried by thousands of fans. I know it won't be easy, but we didn't come here as tourists," Sopić said.
The Lithuanian champions have already eliminated Drita and a team from the Faroe Islands in qualifying, and Sopić highlights the team's progress: "For a month, it's been the coaching staff and me with the boys; we've made great strides in our play. We're facing the strongest club in the qualifiers in the Champions League. I know all of Dinamo's strengths and weaknesses."
Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević has no issue with the favorite's role, but caution is at its peak after the drama with Thun in the previous round. "I haven't avoided it, but we need to prove it on the pitch. Žalgiris is not insignificant; they have quality players, they're a serious team, and they're led by our former coach who knows us well. Much is expected of us. I believe we'll be better tomorrow, and if we're not, we could have serious problems," Kovačević warned.
The good news is the return of Luka Stojković, who served his suspension and immediately assisted Dion Drena Beljo in the league match against Slaven Belupo. "You could see how much we missed him and how much he means to us. I'm sure he'll keep improving. We know how good he is, and I'm glad he's back," the coach said. He also confirmed that Zajc, despite minor discomfort, trained and will be available.
Kovačević is satisfied with the squad depth and competition in all positions. "In these two matches, we gave minutes to everyone, and it showed that I can count on the entire squad. We look at who's in the best form and build the team accordingly. I have quality players and double coverage in every position," concluded the Dinamo coach, as reported by Narod.hr.
Ahead of the important European match, Dinamo also boasted an impressive figure. Last year, the club had a total of 65,243 members and friends, a historic record. That number was surpassed on August 3, 2026, a full 150 days earlier than last year. "Every day, with every new member, that record will only grow," the club stated.
