Debeljuh Scores Against Dinamo After Six Years and Embraces Sopić

Gabriel Debeljuh found the back of the net against Dinamo in European competition once again. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the Croatian forward scored for Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris in the second leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. After the ball crossed the line, Debeljuh didn't head toward his teammates but sprinted straight to the bench, where Croatian coach Željko Sopić greeted him with open arms.

Dinamo Took an Early Lead but Was Reduced to Ten Men

Mario Kovačević's side got off to a flying start in Kaunas. As early as the 19th minute, Lukas Kačavenda put the Zagreb side ahead, and in the 30th minute, captain Josip Mišić doubled the lead. However, just two minutes later, the situation became complicated for the visitors. Goalkeeper Ivan Filipović reacted clumsily to a loose ball, and his late challenge resulted in a straight red card in the 32nd minute.

Debeljuh's Moment and Embrace with Sopić

With a man advantage, the hosts piled on the pressure in the second half and spent most of the time in Dinamo's half. Despite their dominance, they didn't seriously threaten goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić until the 56th minute. After the initial shot was saved by Nevistić, Debeljuh cleverly found a gap in the defense and slotted the ball into the half-empty net with ease. Immediately after the goal, an emotional scene unfolded-Debeljuh ran toward his coach Sopić, who had recently brought him to the club.

History Repeats Itself After Six Years

Interestingly, Debeljuh had already scored against Dinamo in European competition once before. That was in August 2020, also in Champions League qualifying. That match ended 2-2, with Dinamo eventually advancing after a penalty shootout. Despite today's goal, Kauno Žalgiris conceded a total of seven goals across the two legs against the Zagreb club. Dinamo will almost certainly advance, and in the Champions League playoff, they will face Norwegian champions Viking.