Dinamo clears road to the Champions League
GNK Dinamo Zagreb has landed a favorable position in the Champions League play‑offs: drawn against Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris, a win opens the group stage and a prize pool of €18.62 million. The club enters as the seeded team thanks to its high coefficient, while Žalgiris remains in the Europa League play‑off.
How did this favorable draw happen?
After UEFA's draw in Nyon on Monday, Dinamo received the best pairing thanks to its coefficient. Opponent Kauno Žalgiris is coached by Croatian expert Željko Sopić, former Dinamo, Gorica, Rijeka and Osijek manager. Žalgiris recently advanced through qualifiers, beating Klaskvik from the Far Islands 1‑0 in the second leg, and Dinamo will host them on August 4 at 19:00.
What does this mean for Dinamo in the domestic league?
Dinamo finished the 2025 season first in the HNL with 86 points, 27 wins, 5 draws and 4 losses, and has recently shown form DWWWW. The club scored 93 goals and conceded 28, a +65 goal difference, and leads by 18 points over HNK Hajduk Split. This European success further cements Dinamo's dominance in Croatia and boosts motivation for the ongoing season.
What challenges lie ahead in the next round?
If Dinamo overcomes Žalgiris, the next opponent could be one of: Celje, Ararat Armenia, LASK, Kairat Almaty, Levski Sofia, AGF Aarhus, Sabah FK or Viking. Each brings a distinct style and tactical demands, requiring coaches to tweak formations and strategies. Dinamo must also monitor the return of players like Lovro Majer and Domagoj Vida, currently attached to clubs that could become future opponents.
When and where are the key matches?
The first Champions League play‑off leg is scheduled for August 18 or 19, with the return leg on August 25 or 26. Dinamo will host the first leg on August 4 at 19:00, and the second leg will be in Jonava, about 30 km from Kaunas, seven days later. These fixtures decide whether Dinamo reaches the group stage and secures additional UEFA revenue.
Bottom line
Dinamo is on track to reach the Champions League group stage, and a successful passage through Žalgiris opens doors to major financial rewards and greater European exposure. Given the impressive domestic stats - 86 points, +65 goal difference and an 18‑point lead - the club has all the tools for continued success. Eager fans await the first clash, and Dinamo is ready to prove it is the true powerhouse of Croatian football.
