Kovačević Surprises with Lineup, Sopić Responds with Mystery
Dinamo and Kauno Žalgiris play the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round at Maksimir at 8 PM. Starting lineups for both teams have been announced.
Dinamo and Kauno Žalgiris play the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round at Maksimir at 8 PM. Starting lineups for both teams have been announced.
At Zagreb's Maksimir stadium tonight at 8 PM, a new European football story begins. Dinamo faces Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris in the first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round, and both coaches have just revealed their cards for the battle to advance to the final qualifying round for Europe's elite club competition. The match is broadcast on MAXSport 1, and you can follow the live text commentary on Index.
Coach Kovačević has given the goalkeeper spot to Filipović. The defensive line consists of Valinčić, Dominguez, McKenna, and Perez Vinlof. In midfield are Stojković, Mišić, and Zajc, while Lisica, Beljo, and Hoxha will seek opportunities up front. Ahead of the match, Kovačević was clear: "Victory is the primary goal."
On the other side, Kauno Žalgiris coach Željko Sopić brought Kalikas and a Croatian striker to Maksimir, but he ultimately set up his team without them in the starting eleven. The Lithuanians will play with Švedkauskas in goal, protected by Moutachy, Tolordava, Lekiatas, and Konatar. Baldassarra will operate behind a midfield of Ourega, Slivka, Benchaib, and Kreković, with Oliveira leading the attack. When asked about his tactics against Dinamo, Sopić replied with a question at the press conference: "Do you want me to say that now, in front of all of them?"
The match will be officiated by a Belgian refereeing team led by head referee Erik Lambrechts. His assistants are Jo de Weirdt and Kevin Monteny, with Lothar D'hondt as fourth official. In the VAR room are Clay Ruperti and Bert Put. The return leg is scheduled a week later at 7 PM in Lithuania.