Dinamo Zagreb sink Fenerbahçe in Europa League opener
Dinamo Zagreb started there Europa League campaign with a solid 3-1 win over Fenerbahce at Maksimir, giving the Croatian side a seventh victory already this season and a strong message to the group rivals.
It was ex-Fenerbahce man Miha Zajc who nearly made the headlines early when he blasted over from close range after a cut-back by Moris Valinčić. He didnt have to wait long to see his blushes covered though, because minutes later the ball dropped kindly in the box for Dion Beljo, who poked home the opener and sent the home supporters crazy.
Fener hit back almost straight away. Sebastian Szymański, given too much room at the edge of the area, drilled in a neat first-time strike into the bottom corner to level things up. That gave the Turkish side a lift, but Dinamo still looked more dangerous before half-time. Zajc again was involved, his cross deflected awkwardly and nearly ended up in the net when keeper Ederson spilled it, only to see it spin just wide.
Dinamo came out sharper after the break and Beljo struck again. Enver Hoxha broke down the flank and cut it back, Beljo sweeping in a smart finish with his first touch. The big striker looks in lethal form at the moment.
Szymański tried to answer again with a long ranger, but this time Nevistić in Dinamo’s goal held it without fuss. The game grew scrappy after that, with both sides missing half chances – Ljubičić blasting over for Dinamo and Semedo slicing one wide for the visitors.
In stoppage time Dinamo sealed it, substitute Monsef Bakrar keeping his cool to slot into the bottom corner after being left free in the box. That was the killer blow, and the stadium erupted again as the Croats knew the points were safe.
For new Fenerbahce boss Domenico Tedesco it was his first defeat in charge, while Dinamo made it 13 wins from there last 20 Europa League matches. Beljo will grab the headlines with his two goals, but Bakrar’s late strike was the icing on the cake for a side that look like they fancy a proper run in Europe this season.