GNK Dinamo Zagreb has released a powerful motivational video on the eve of the season's most decisive match. The UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Viking FK in Stavanger kicks off on Wednesday evening, with victory being the only route back to the group stage of Europe's elite competition for the Croatian champions.
The first leg at Stadion Maksimir ended in a 2-2 draw, despite Dinamo leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Dion Drena Beljo and Mateo Lisica. Viking's comeback has set up a tense decider in Norway. This match represents the most important fixture of the season for a club that has been absent from the Champions League group stage for four years. Dinamo enters it in superb domestic form, with a perfect record of three wins from three in the HNL, leading the standings with nine points. They have scored nine goals and conceded just one in the league, with top scorer Dion Drena Beljo netting five times in three appearances.
What was the message in the video?
Dinamo published a video that immediately captured significant fan attention. It features footage of the squad in Norway, clips from training, and a message from coach Marijo Kovačević. The iconic UEFA Champions League anthem plays in the background, underscoring the magnitude of the occasion. The video concludes with lyrics from the Bad Blue Boys fan group: 'Tisuće srca sad za vas kuca' (Thousands of hearts are now beating for you). In this way, the fans expressed their support for the players ahead of the monumental challenge. The report on this event was brought by Gol.hr.
What is Dinamo's form heading into this match?
The club arrives in Stavanger with high confidence from domestic performances. Alongside the flawless start in the HNL, the defence has been exceptionally well-organised. This defensive solidity will be key against a Viking side that showed great resilience in the first leg. Striker Dion Drena Beljo, who already scored in the first encounter, leads the club's scoring charts and is the main offensive weapon. The entire squad is demonstrating a good rhythm.
What follows after the match in Norway?
Regardless of the Champions League outcome, Dinamo will quickly need to refocus on the domestic league. As soon as Friday, August 29th, they face an away match against Istra 1961. This will be the first game after the intense European schedule and a test of the squad's depth. Coach Marijo Kovačević will have the difficult task of managing player energy. The schedule for all upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page.
A return to the Champions League would be a massive achievement for the club and its supporters. Dinamo has shown it has the quality; now it must deliver in the most important moment. All expectations are directed towards Norway.
