Dinamo Zagreb readies for Champions League qualifier vs Kauno Zalgiris

Dinamo Zagreb will host Lithuanian champions Kauno Zalgiris at Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday evening for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third‑qualifying‑round tie. The Croatian champions, who have won eight league titles in nine seasons, entered the competition in the second qualifying round and survived a dramatic comeback against FC Thun, advancing 4‑3 on aggregate. After a 2‑0 domestic league win over Slaven Belupo, coach Mario Kovacevic said, "We only watched their latest match … there are no easy opponents nowadays. They will come here highly motivated and eager to achieve something more. We have to be careful. But I know that we will improve from game to game."

Kauno Zalgiris, the reigning TOPLYGA champions, reached this stage after edging past Drita and Faroese side Klaksvík in the earlier qualifying rounds. Under coach Zeljko Sopic, the Lithuanian side remains unbeaten in the league and boasts the best attacking and defensive records, aiming to continue their run in Zagreb.