Dinamo come from behind against Thun, but need a 'real number six' for Europe

Last night's Champions League second qualifying round match at Maksimir delivered drama worthy of Europe's biggest stages. Dinamo were trailing 0-2 to Swiss side Thun after an hour of play, before mounting a comeback in the final stages to win 3-2. The hero of the victory was Moris Valinčić, whose solo run broke the visitors, with the entire turnaround sparked by a red card to Thun captain Marc Bürki.

Swiss in shock: 'The game turned in the 67th minute'

As reported by Tportal, almost all Swiss reports highlight Bürki's dismissal as the key moment. Thun had been in total control and seemed destined for victory, but in the 67th minute their captain lost the ball in front of his own penalty area, brought down an opponent, and after a VAR review received a straight red card instead of a yellow.

Switzerland's most widely read daily, Blick, described the drama: 'Thun fully deserved their 2-0 lead until the 67th minute, and then came the complete turnaround. Bürki was sent off for a last-man foul, after which Zagreb increased the pressure. Beljo pulled one back, and just four minutes later Kačavenda equalized.'

Public broadcaster SRF went further: 'Everything was set for a great away victory until the 67th minute and Bürki's sending-off. The Thun captain lost the ball in front of his own penalty area, brought down an opponent, and after a VAR review received a straight red instead of a yellow. That moment proved to be the beginning of the end.'

Portal Sport.ch emphasized the man advantage: 'After Marc Bürki's red card, Dinamo Zagreb completely pinned Thun back in front of their penalty area. The Croatian champions managed to escape from a very difficult situation, with the decisive goal from Moris Valinčić after a long solo run delivering the final blow to the Swiss side.'

Kovačević's moves created new heroes

As Jutarnji list writes, coach Mario Kovačević could treat himself on that hot Zagreb night. His team had been lackluster and were even whistled off at halftime, but the strategist did not leave things to fate. He made one substitution at halftime, and in the 58th minute opted for a triple change: Kačavenda, Topić, and Hoxha entered the game. It was they, along with the opponent's red card, that completely turned the tide.

Jutarnji list also offers an interesting assessment of Kovačević's performance: for the first half, he barely deserved a passing grade, but for the overall impression, a six out of ten, while for the second half he earned an eight. Particular praise was given for his courage to take Oršić off and to trust players who had been written off at the start of the season, such as Kačavenda-whom LASK did not want to buy-and Topić, who now looks better than even Lisica.

In addition, Perez-Vinlöf and Galešić put in good performances, while the winning goal was scored by Valinčić after he covered most of the pitch on his own. Moreover, Luka Stojković will soon return, so competition will be even fiercer.

Celebration passes, but the warning remains: a 'real number six' is needed

However, while the progress is being celebrated, Jutarnji list points out that for an hour Dinamo resembled those sad nights against Celta, Lille, or Betis-lacking compactness, with a pressing that was easily bypassed, and disastrous defending after losing possession. 'Dinamo definitely needs a goalkeeper for Europe, that's clear to everyone, but a truly top-class defensive midfielder would be worth its weight in gold,' the journalist writes, adding that Josip Mišić is not enough in that position when opponents are fast and aggressive.

This raises the question: how will they play at the Allianz Arena or Parc des Princes? The current formation with one number six and two creative eights does not work defensively, as Thun clearly demonstrated with two goals before the red card. Analysts therefore emphasize that for a serious European autumn, Dinamo will have to find a defensively strong midfielder, and Kovačević should also consider a formation with two number sixes, with Mišić as the second.

Because, as Jutarnji list concludes, 'the warning was as strong as it gets.' The passage is secured, but the path to the Champions League demands rapid evolution, both in play and in the squad.