Kovačević Warns Ahead of Kauno Žalgiris Clash
Dinamo's coach announced the first match of the Champions League third qualifying round against the Lithuanian champions, led from the bench by former Blues boss Željko Sopić.
Dinamo's coach announced the first match of the Champions League third qualifying round against the Lithuanian champions, led from the bench by former Blues boss Željko Sopić.
At the Maksimir Stadium on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 8:00 PM, GNK Dinamo begins its journey in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The opponent is Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris, a team led by a familiar face, Croatian expert and former Dinamo coach, Željko Sopić.
The match will be officiated by 41-year-old Belgian referee Eric Lambrechts, with the return leg scheduled a week later, on August 11, in Kaunas at 7:00 PM. Dinamo entered the third qualifying round after defeating Swiss side Thun 4-3 on aggregate in the previous round. If the Blues advance, they will face Norwegian club Viking from Stavanger in the play-offs. In case of defeat, Dinamo would drop to the Europa League play-offs, where they would face the winner of the tie between Czech side Hradec Kralove and Turkish club Beşiktaş, and a loss in that tie would see them fall into the Conference League. Kauno Žalgiris reached the third qualifying round by overcoming Klaksvík from the Faroe Islands.
Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević is aware of the challenges posed by the European stage, particularly emphasizing issues with match openings. "We conceded a goal too easily against Thun, but that's behind us. We must be cautious and start the match well. Everyone has energy at the beginning," Kovačević said.
Regarding the squad, the situation is good. "Miha Zajc had minor issues, but he trained and I believe everyone will be available. We need to improve from match to match, and I believe we'll be even better on Tuesday. We're aware of the importance of the match and I'm confident we'll play well," he added. Smail Prevljak is also back in contention after rejoining the team.
Kovačević does not shy away from the favorite's role but remains cautious. "I don't run from it, but we need to show it on the pitch. Žalgiris isn't here without reason; they have several good players, and they're a serious team with our coach who knows us well. A lot depends on us. I believe we'll be better tomorrow, and if we're not, we could have problems," emphasized the Blues' tactician.
The coach also announced certain changes to the starting eleven, highlighting the squad's depth. "As for the lineup, there will be changes. For European matches, we look at who's in the best form and we'll build the team that way. We have quality wingers, and I think anyone I put in will play well. Up front, we have no issues," Kovačević said.
On the other side, Željko Sopić does not hide his emotions ahead of his return to Maksimir. "It's a big day for all of us, especially for me. I came to my city to fight for the Champions League. We're ready and we'll give our all to have a chance in the return leg," Sopić stated.
He also addressed the question about his feelings: "It's like asking me which child I love more... This is my job, I'm on the opposite side and I'll give everything to win. Of course, I'll stay on the other side for life, but in this match, I'll be on the opposite side. That's life. I wanted to draw Dinamo, I wanted to come home and play against Dinamo."
He is aware of the difference in quality but believes in his team. "Don't think I'm stupid and don't understand the quality gap between us and Dinamo, but looking at Champions League qualifiers in general, from Kauno Žalgiris's perspective, we played against Drita, who had a higher coefficient than us, and we advanced. Then we played a team from the Faroe Islands, also with a higher coefficient, and we got past them too," he reminded.
Asked about the motivation to prove himself against his former club, Sopić added: "I have no extra motivation to prove myself against Dinamo. It's a special match, but we got here through hard work and dedication. We'll see how our players adapt to 15 or 20 thousand fans; it's not the same playing in front of that many spectators, the pressure is higher. Honestly, I'll enjoy it."
Kauno Žalgiris arrives in Zagreb bolstered by several players familiar to Croatian audiences. The squad includes 28-year-old Australian-Croatian Anthony Kalik, who previously played for Rudeš, Gorica, and Hajduk, and 29-year-old striker Gabriel Debeljuh from Rovinj. Sopić commented on their availability: "Debeljuh trained with us once, Kalik arrived at the hotel on Monday. We'll make the best decision for the club and Lithuanian football."
Additionally, attacking midfielder Ivan Fiolić is likely to feature for the visitors, appearing alongside Sopić at the press conference. "I grew up here, took my first steps, and started playing football. It will be a special night for us; we must give our all. I've already had the chance to play against Dinamo with Lokomotiva, Gorica, and Osijek, and I've already scored against Dinamo, so nothing will change. I won't celebrate if I score," Fiolić said.
The match can be watched on MAX Sport 1, with occasional audio coverage on the Second Program of Croatian Radio.
