GNK Dinamo Zagreb face a steeper path to direct Champions League entry in 2027 than ever before. Last season, Maksimir nearly secured a group-stage spot, but now the coefficient race has tightened. With a current tally of 40.000, Dinamo sits behind Celtic Glasgow (41.000) and ahead of only two Scottish and two Danish clubs in Europe’s rankings.

Why must Dinamo Zagreb go through qualifiers?

Direct entry to the 2027 Champions League group stage is reserved for the champion of the country with the highest coefficient that currently lacks an automatic berth. This season, that spot went to Olympiacos, and next year the competition will be even fiercer. Dinamo’s 40.000 points leave them behind Celtic (41.000) and just ahead of Rangers, Midtjylland, Copenhagen and others. That means the Croatian champions would need every rival to fail to win their domestic title — a near-impossible scenario.

The alternative? A stunning European run. If Dinamo dominates qualifiers and the group stage, they can boost their coefficient. But that demands wins in every match — easier said than done. Right now, their focus is on the second Champions League qualifier against Swiss champions Thun, while they also sit top of the HNL with 0 points so far this season.

The competition is ruthless — and the margin is razor-thin

A coefficient of 40.000 isn’t enough for automatic entry. Two Scottish clubs (Celtic and Rangers) and two Danish (Midtjylland and Copenhagen) sit above Dinamo, meaning Croatian champions would need a perfect storm of upsets in Scotland and Denmark to qualify directly. Shakhtar Donetsk, Ferencváros and Bodø/Glimt lurk just behind, but their coefficients aren’t far off. Dinamo knows this — so they’re not wasting energy on long-term math just yet.

What’s next for Maksimir?

The next few weeks in Maksimir have one goal: beat Thun in the second Champions League qualifier. If they do, they’ll face the winner of the first qualifier between Moldova’s Sheriff and Estonia’s Flora. Every mistake will cost dearly, and there’s no room for error. Right now, Dinamo sit top of the HNL with 0 points this season — a clean slate that could turn into momentum before the European battles begin.