DINAMO: Kotarski - Galešić (62' Valinčić), Dominguez, Radeljić, Perez-Vinlof - Mišić - Almena (62' Rodriguez), Stojković (68' Kačavenda), Ivanušec, Hoxha - Beljo
ANDERLECHT: Coosemans - Barry, Petrot, Omobamidele, Reabciuk - Degreef (77' Bertaccini), Aasgaard, Ambros (65' Bentayeb) - Stroeykens (87' Amane), Cvetković (77' Sikan), Winkler (87' Antman)
Dinamo Zagreb produced one of the most dramatic finishes of their European campaign on Thursday, October 15, defeating Belgian side Anderlecht 1-0 at Maksimir in the second round of the UEFA Europa League. In front of 12,279 spectators, Mario Kovačević's team overcame a difficult first half, gradually improved after the break and ultimately secured victory through Beljo's stoppage-time penalty. The result lifted Dinamo to four points after two matches and provided an important response to their recent domestic disappointment.
Kovačević made significant changes to his starting lineup following the defeat against Hajduk Split, introducing several fresh faces in an attempt to restore energy and stability. Josip Mišić returned to midfield, while Luka Stojković, Arbër Hoxha and Iker Almena were among those trusted to provide greater attacking ambition. The changes reflected the coach's determination to find a more effective balance between defensive organisation and creativity, although the opening stages showed that Dinamo still had considerable work to do.
The Croatian side began with aggressive pressing, attempting to force Anderlecht into mistakes and establish control of possession. However, the visitors gradually settled into the contest and started creating the more dangerous opportunities. Their clearest chance arrived in the 21st minute, when Mihajlo Cvetković struck the crossbar after a delivery from the right. Moments later, Oleg Reabciuk also hit the woodwork, with Kotarski making an important intervention to prevent the ball from crossing the line.
The Dinamo goalkeeper was called into action again in the 28th minute when Tristan Degreef directed a powerful header towards goal from close range. Kotarski reacted brilliantly to keep the score level, producing another crucial save during a period when Anderlecht appeared increasingly likely to take the lead. His composure and reactions proved essential as the home side struggled to contain the Belgian team's attacking movement.
Dinamo did create opportunities of their own before the interval, particularly through Hoxha, whose pace and direct running repeatedly troubled the Anderlecht defence. One promising move ended with Almena firing over the crossbar after receiving a well-positioned pass inside the penalty area. Nevertheless, the hosts lacked precision in the final third and entered half-time fortunate not to be trailing.
The second half began with Dinamo attempting to increase the tempo, but Anderlecht remained dangerous. Kotarski was once again required to make an important intervention when Mika Winkler threatened following a defensive mistake. The visitors continued to exploit moments of uncertainty, while Dinamo struggled to convert promising attacking situations into clear chances.
Recognising the need for greater attacking creativity, Kovačević introduced Moris Valinčić and Dani Rodríguez shortly after the hour mark, replacing Niko Galešić and Almena. The substitutions brought fresh energy to Dinamo's right flank and gave the home side more options in possession. Rodríguez quickly demonstrated his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas, although his first attempt was comfortably saved by Anderlecht goalkeeper Colin Coosemans.
As the contest entered its final half-hour, both teams became increasingly cautious. Midfield battles, misplaced passes and defensive interventions disrupted the flow of the match, preventing either side from establishing sustained dominance. Anderlecht appeared content to manage the situation, while Dinamo continued searching for a breakthrough without committing too many players forward.
The atmosphere intensified during the closing stages as Dinamo began applying greater pressure. Hoxha remained one of the hosts' most dangerous attacking outlets, repeatedly using his acceleration to create space on the left. In the 81st minute, he threatened to break through on goal, but Anderlecht defender Killian Sardella Barry recovered to produce a decisive challenge. It was another opportunity that left the home supporters wondering whether their team would find the breakthrough.
As the match entered stoppage time, a goalless draw seemed increasingly inevitable. Both sides had failed to capitalise on their opportunities, and Anderlecht's defensive structure appeared capable of surviving Dinamo's final attacking efforts. Yet the decisive moment arrived when Rodríguez attempted to force the ball through the Belgian defence inside the penalty area.
The ball struck Reabciuk's arm, prompting a VAR review. After examining the incident, Israeli referee Orel Grinfeeld awarded Dinamo a penalty, transforming the closing seconds into a moment of enormous tension.
Beljo stepped forward to take responsibility.
With the pressure of an entire stadium resting on his shoulders, the Dinamo striker calmly converted from the spot in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Coosemans was unable to prevent the ball from finding the net, and Maksimir erupted as the Croatian side finally broke the deadlock.
The goal brought an emotional conclusion to a match that had tested Dinamo's patience, concentration and determination. After struggling to impose themselves for much of the opening half and surviving several dangerous moments, the hosts had found a way to secure victory through persistence and a decisive contribution from their leading striker.
Although Beljo claimed the headlines, Kotarski's performance was equally important. The goalkeeper produced several crucial saves, particularly during Anderlecht's strongest spell in the first half. Without those interventions, Dinamo might have been forced to chase the game rather than remain in contention for a late winner.
For Kovačević, the victory offered both encouragement and reasons for reflection. His decision to rotate the starting lineup helped provide fresh energy, while the introduction of Rodríguez proved influential in the decisive attacking sequence. However, the difficulties Dinamo experienced in possession and the chances conceded against Anderlecht demonstrated that improvements are still required.
The Belgian visitors were left to regret their inability to turn promising attacking opportunities into goals. Twice denied by the crossbar and repeatedly frustrated by Kotarski, Anderlecht had enough chances to establish an advantage before Dinamo's late penalty changed the outcome. Their failure to capitalise ultimately proved costly, leaving them without points from their opening two Europa League matches.
Dinamo, meanwhile, strengthened their position in the competition with four points from two rounds. Their next European challenge comes against Dutch side NEC Nijmegen at Maksimir on October 22, presenting another opportunity to build momentum and demonstrate that the victory over Anderlecht can become the foundation for a successful European campaign.
The match was far from a flawless performance, but it showed the importance of resilience and remaining competitive until the final whistle. Dinamo had struggled for long periods, survived significant pressure and appeared destined to settle for a draw. Yet one decisive attacking moment transformed the evening.
Anderlecht had the chances, Kotarski kept Dinamo alive, and Beljo delivered when it mattered most. The Croatian giants may not have produced their most convincing performance, but their determination was rewarded with a dramatic victory that sent Maksimir into celebration and gave their Europa League campaign a significant boost.
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