GNK Dinamo Zagreb played out a 1:1 draw with Thun in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round in Switzerland. The hosts took the lead through Brighton Labeau’s 20th-minute strike, before Mihi Zajc equalised in the 86th minute. Dinamo currently sit top of the HNL with 86 points from 36 games - 27 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses, recent form DWWWW - and lead second-placed HNK Hajduk Split by 18 points.
What happened on the pitch?
Dinamo started without Monsef Bakrar, despite the Algerian having featured nine times in last season’s UEFA Europa League. Mateo Lisica lined up on the right wing instead. Arber Hoxha and Fran Topić entered in the second half, with Topić setting up Zajc for the 86th-minute equaliser. Dinamo have now scored 93 goals and conceded 28 this season, with a +65 goal difference.
Why was Bakrar left out?
The reason was financial, not sporting. A clause in Bakrar’s contract obliges Dinamo to pay his former club, New York City, a $100,000 bonus if the Algerian plays his 10th European fixture for the Zagreb side. With Bakrar’s exit from Maksimir virtually certain, the club decided it was not worth triggering the bonus.
What does this mean for Dinamo?
Dinamo arrived in Zagreb with a narrow away draw in Switzerland. The return leg in a week’s time will decide their progress. Bakrar’s reported €3 million move to Egyptian side Al Ahly remains unsigned, so Dinamo must still tread carefully over the clause if they intend to use the Algerian in any remaining fixtures.
What’s next?
Dinamo now have seven days to prepare for the Thun second leg. Club bosses must finalise Bakrar’s future, while the team focuses on securing a place in the next round of qualifiers. In the HNL, Dinamo remain 18 points clear of Hajduk at the summit.
