Dinamo wasted no time asserting themselves. In the sixth minute, Matteo Perez Vinlöf drove the ball towards goal, where Beljo reacted instinctively to redirect it over the line with his chest. Following a lengthy VAR review, the goal was allowed to stand. Just four minutes later, Beljo turned provider, taking advantage of a defensive mistake before setting up Lisica, who finished confidently to make it 2-0. The goal was particularly special, marking Dinamo's 600th goal in European club competitions.
The home side continued to dominate, with Luka Stojković coming close and Miha Zajc striking the woodwork. A third goal seemed increasingly likely, but Viking had other ideas. In the 26th minute, Tobias Moi played a quick pass into the penalty area, allowing Peter Christiansen to produce an excellent finish into the near top corner. Suddenly, the visitors had a lifeline, and Dinamo's defensive vulnerabilities were beginning to emerge.
The situation became even more frustrating for the Croatian side in the 39th minute. Moi intercepted possession and released Zlatko Tripić, who raced into space before finishing clinically across goal to make it 2-2. Maksimir was stunned. Dinamo had gone from complete control to surrendering a two-goal advantage in less than half an hour. Two defensive lapses had undone an otherwise impressive attacking performance.
The occasion was also significant for Dinamo's most passionate supporters. The Bad Blue Boys celebrated their 40th anniversary with an impressive choreographed display in the north stand, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Their relentless support inspired Dinamo's explosive opening, but the equaliser ensured that the celebrations were accompanied by disappointment.
After the break, Dinamo pushed forward in search of a winner. Zajc threatened shortly after the restart, while Mislav Oršić tested goalkeeper Arild Østbø with a powerful long-range effort in the 73rd minute. The hosts continued to apply pressure, but Viking defended with determination. Late opportunities involving Smail Prevljak and Lukas Kačavenda failed to produce the decisive goal, leaving the match level at the final whistle.
For Viking, the result represented an impressive recovery after a disastrous start. For Dinamo, it was a painful missed opportunity. Their attacking quality was evident throughout the contest, but defensive mistakes exposed weaknesses that could prove costly in European competition. Beljo's intelligent movement, Lisica's finishing and the team's aggressive approach demonstrated their potential, yet they failed to turn their early dominance into victory.
The 2-2 draw left the tie finely balanced heading into the return leg in Norway. Dinamo had shown they possessed the quality to trouble Viking, but they also learned a difficult lesson about maintaining concentration and protecting a lead on the European stage.
Dinamo had Viking on the ropes after just ten minutes, but instead of delivering the knockout blow, they allowed the Norwegian side to fight its way back. What should have been a statement victory became a frustrating reminder that in European football, even the strongest start means little without the discipline to finish the job.
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