Zlatko Tripić, captain of Norway's Viking, with 13 assists and 54 chances created this season, is the main asset of the club that could stand in the way of the Blues in the qualifiers.
While Dinamo still needs to confirm their passage in the return leg in Lithuania against Kauno Žalgiris, it is already clear who could be the key player of the next opponent on the road to the Champions League. It's Zlatko Tripić, the 33-year-old captain and left winger of Norwegian champions Viking from Stavanger, whose numbers this season look truly daunting.
Tripić has scored five goals in 14 appearances in the Norwegian league this season, but his real strength lies in creation. With 13 assists, he is comfortably the league's top assist provider, and the data reveals how much Viking's play in the final third depends on him.
He has created 54 chances for his teammates, 18 of which were big chances, and he leads Eliteserien in both categories. Accurate passing, the final touch, and set pieces are among the best weapons of the Norwegian champions.
Due to his constant threat from the left flank, excellent crosses, and finishing, the expert jury named him the best player in Eliteserien in 2024. His play is not just a flash in the pan, in October last year, he became the first Viking player to record double-digit goals and assists in three consecutive seasons.
Viking won the Norwegian championship last season, their first in 34 years, and now they are just two matches away from the Champions League group stage.
Tripić was born on December 2, 1992, in Rijeka, but he built his career in Norway. He has played for Molde, Start, German club Greuther Fürth, Moldovan side Sheriff, and Turkish club Göztepe, but it was only at Viking that he found the club where he played his best football. Although he has entered his 34th year, he remains the main creative force of the Norwegian champions, and the club tied him down to a contract until the end of 2027 late last year.
Before potentially facing Tripić and Viking, Dinamo must confirm their progress against Kauno Žalgiris. After a 5:0 win in Zagreb, there are few signs that an upset could happen, but if the expected passage is confirmed, the next opponent will be much tougher.
There is no shortage of events in the Blues' camp these days. Today, Dani Rodríguez celebrates his birthday, and the club wished him lots of luck and beautiful moments in the blue jersey via social media.
Yesterday, the transfer of Noah Nsoki was completed, a talented 19-year-old born in Tournan-en-Brie near Paris. He arrives at Maksimir from PSG, where he won two French U19 league titles, last year's senior Ligue 1 title, and the Trophée des Champions. Nsoki plays as a left winger and attacking midfielder, and he will wear the number 77 jersey at Dinamo.
On Sunday at 6:30 PM, the Blues also face the historic Ramljak26 final on the main pitch at Maksimir against AFC Ajax, the last match before the stadium is demolished. The West Stand lower tier opens at 5:30 PM, and entry for all fans is free.
