Dinamo Zagreb leads Ramljak tournament aiming to defend title
GNK Dinamo Zagreb starts the 23rd edition of the Mladen Ramljak tournament as defending champions, with the first match against Juventus scheduled for Thursday at 19:15. The club currently sits 1st in the HNL with 3 points, 1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses, recent form W, and has 2 goals scored, 0 conceded (+2 goal difference) this season.
What does the tournament bring and who are the opponents?
The Mladen Ramljak tournament gathers eight renowned European clubs. In Group A alongside Dinamo will be Juventus, Benfica and Brugge, while Group B features Ajax, Bologna, Athletic Bilbao and Hajduk. This lineup carries a total of eight Champions League titles and 15 final appearances, confirming the competition's quality. The opening Dinamo‑Juventus clash promises a dynamic game and a chance to test young talents against top‑level peers.
Why is the tournament important for Dinamo?
Coach Milan Badelj, former captain and two‑time tournament winner, emphasized that this is an excellent opportunity to assess his generation's progress. "Our young players want to defend the tradition, and motivation is high because of the history and the fact we are the organizers," Badelj said. The tournament allows comparison of styles and tactical approaches, and Dinamo aims to leverage the experience against Juventus' academy and other clubs.
What lies ahead?
After the tournament kickoff, Dinamo will continue with group matches, and group winners will advance to the final. With high motivation, the youngsters have a chance to showcase themselves to scouts and fans. Dinamo's ambition is to retain the title and prove it remains a key talent producer in the region, while a successful run will further strengthen their standing in the HNL and European competitions.
How to follow the tournament?
Entry is free for all visitors on the auxiliary pitches beneath the south and west stands of Maksimir. If you cannot attend, all matches are streamed live on the "Dinamo plus" platform. The tournament runs from Thursday to Sunday, and Dinamo will strive to demonstrate that it remains a leader in youth development and high‑quality competition organization.
