Mario Kovačević on Tuesday against Viking Chases a Jubilee Tenth Champions League Qualification, with as Many as Five Players in the Squad Who Have Never Played in the Elite Competition.
Dinamo plays the match of the season on Tuesday at Maksimir against Norwegian side Viking, chasing their tenth, jubilee qualification for the Champions League. Coach Mario Kovačević enters the battle for the elite competition with an intriguing mix of players proven in Europe and those who have yet to play at the highest club level.
In the starting lineup of the Zagreb club, there are as many as five players who have never played in the group or league phase of the Champions League in their careers. Moris Valinčić, Matteo Pérez Vinlöf, Miha Zajc, Mateo Lisica, and Dion Drena Beljo have so far only watched the highest tier of competition from the stands. The match at Maksimir will be their first real chance to prove themselves under the Champions League spotlight.
On the other hand, the Modri dressing room is full of players with rich experience playing at the highest level. Mislav Oršić is the most experienced in the team, with as many as 20 Champions League appearances, placing him at the top of Dinamo's list. Right next to him is Josip Mišić, a key midfielder, who has played 12 matches in that company.
Luka Stojković with six and goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić with five appearances on the big European stage have also gathered valuable experience earlier. Additional security and knowledge come from the foreigners: Scott McKenna has two Champions League appearances from his time in Copenhagen, and Sergi Domínguez achieved the same number playing for Barcelona.
In the meantime, Dinamo has officially confirmed the departure of Gabriel Vidović. "Gabriel Vidović is no longer a Dinamo player - in a just-completed transfer, he left Maksimir and returns to the Bundesliga, where he will play for Paderborn. Dear Vida, thank you for everything and good luck in your new challenges! 💙", the club announced on their official Twitter profile.
The club also posted a message alongside a photo credited to Luka Stanzl: "It might not be the prettiest, but it's ready for the Champions League! ✨". Kovačević's plan to overcome the Norwegian obstacle and bring the elite back to Maksimir likely relies on a balance between proven European forces and the great desire of the debutants.
