The Blues host Norwegian side Viking at Maksimir on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at 9 PM in the first leg of the Champions League playoff, with a clear stake: a spot among Europe's top 36 clubs.
GNK Dinamo plays one of the most important matches of the season tonight. In the first leg of the Champions League playoff, they host Norwegian side Viking at Maksimir at 9 PM, with the winner of the two-legged tie securing a place among the 36 clubs in the league phase of Europe's premier competition. The fixture has been confirmed by both Viking and UEFA, and fan interest has nearly filled the stadium two days before the match.
Dinamo announced via their official Twitter profile that the North Lower, West Lower, and West Upper stands are sold out. Only tickets for the North Upper stand remain, priced at €12 for club members and €17 for other fans.
"What an evening awaits us at Maksimir! Only one stand is still on sale, grab your tickets while they last, and see you at Maksimir!" the club announced.
The match will also have a humanitarian note. Dinamo and their foundation, Nema predaje, have announced that a portion of the match proceeds will be donated to victims of the wildfires in parts of Croatia that have suffered significant damage in recent days. The club has not disclosed the exact amount to be set aside.
Mario Kovačević's team reached the final hurdle in very convincing fashion. In the third qualifying round, Dinamo eliminated Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris with an aggregate score of 7:1. After a 5:0 win at Maksimir, the Blues also celebrated a 2:1 victory in the return leg in Lithuania, securing the playoff spot without major issues.
The Norwegian champions do not arrive in Zagreb in ideal spirits. In their last league outing, Viking suffered a 2:1 away defeat at Rosenborg, with the winning goal for the hosts coming at the very end of the match. Nevertheless, they are the current Norwegian champions, sitting near the top of the Eliteserien this season and playing at full competitive pace.
The return leg will be played on Wednesday, August 26, at 9 PM at Lyse Arena in Stavanger. The winner of the tie will advance to the league phase of the Champions League, while the loser will continue their season in the Europa League league phase. According to UEFA, a total of seven playoff winners will secure the final spots in the competition's league phase.
The Blues will aim to get the job done in the first leg in front of a nearly packed stadium. After convincingly dispatching Kauno Žalgiris, they now face a much tougher test, but with a great reward on the line-another season among Europe's elite clubs.
