Dinamo Zagreb defeats Slaven Belupo 2-0 to open HNL season
Dinamo Zagreb opened the 2026/2027 Croatian Football League season with a 2‑0 victory over Slaven Belupo at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb. Both goals were scored by forward Dion Drena Beljo, the first in the 34th minute and the second in the 52nd. The match was overseen by referee Antonio Melnjak and attended by 6,311 spectators.
Coach Mario Kovačević fielded eight changes compared with the recent Champions League qualifier, and praised the team's performance while noting they could have scored more. The club also announced the signing of 24‑year‑old Russian midfielder Kiril Kravcov from FC Sochi on a free transfer with a four‑year contract. New signing Stjepan Radeljić made his debut, admitting his legs were shaking at the start of the game. Dinamo now turns its focus to the upcoming Europa League qualifier against Kauno Žalgiris.
Entities: Antonio Melnjak · Bruno Halužan · Dinamo Zagreb · Dion Beljo · Dion Drena Beljo · GNK Dinamo Zagreb · Hrvatski Telekom d.d. · Ivan Filipović · Kiril Kravcov · Maksimir Stadium · Mario Kovacevic · NK Slaven Belupo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dinamo had recently defeated Swiss side Thun 3‑2 after extra time in the Champions League qualifiers. (multiple articles)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Dinamo Zagreb opened the 2026/2027 HNL season against Slaven Belupo at Maksimir Stadium. (multiple articles)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dinamo's starting lineup included Filipović, Tabinas, Galešić, Radeljić, Vinlöf, Kačavenda, Mišić, Stojković, Topić, Beljo and Hoxha. (multiple articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević made up to eight changes to the squad for the opening match. (coach changes)
- [● 10 SOURCES] The match started at 20:00 and was broadcast on MAXSport 1. (supporting_article_ids)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Dinamo aims to defend both the league title and the cup (the double crown). (multiple articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Referee Antonio Melnjak officiated the opening match. (referee)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Slaven Belupo's starting lineup included Sentić, Krušelj, Cvetko, Kovačić, Urata, Adeshina, Crepulja, Mažar, Banovac, Nestorovski and Mitrović. (multiple articles)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kravcov’s market value is estimated at €1.2 million. (market value)
- [● 13 SOURCES] Dinamo Zagreb defeated Slaven Belupo 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026/2027 HNL season. (multiple)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Dinamo signed Kiril Kravcov, a 24‑year‑old Russian midfielder from FC Sochi, on a free transfer with a four‑year contract. (multiple)
- [● 11 SOURCES] Antonio Melnjak was the referee for the match. (multiple)