Stojković after the rout: we're going to Lithuania for another win

Dinamo Zagreb has taken a giant step towards the Champions League play-offs. In the first qualifying match at Maksimir, they convincingly defeated Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 5:0. The return leg in Kaunas in a week's time should be a mere formality before the clash with Norwegian club Viking, the final hurdle to secure a place in the elite competition.

A goal fest at Maksimir

The Blues practically settled the tie in the first half. Zajc opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and just two minutes later McKenna made it 2:0. After the break, Lisica extended the lead in the 51st minute, before Luka Stojković found the net in the 76th minute to make it 4:0. Kačavenda sealed the final 5:0 in the 90th minute.

Stojković: I first looked for Beljo, but I decided to take on the defender

After the match, a cheerful Stojković, who added an assist to his goal, shared his thoughts with Sportklub.

"We're really happy, we started seriously and scored two goals in the first half. We said we mustn't stop and that we needed to score more goals. It was very hot, but we managed to overcome that and win. My goal? Miške got to the ball at the foul. I first looked for Beljo to play it to him, but I decided to take on the defender and score through his legs. It means a lot to us because we don't have a match this weekend. There's no letting up; we're going to Lithuania for another win,"

Viking on the horizon: play-off dates confirmed

With the win, Dinamo has already secured a spot in the Europa League, but their ambitions are much higher. If they confirm their progress in Lithuania, Norwegian side Viking awaits in the Champions League play-off. The dates for that two-legged tie are already known. The first leg will be played at Maksimir on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with a 9 PM kick-off. The return leg is scheduled in Stavanger on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, also at 9 PM Central European Time.