Dinamo Zagreb Edges Past FC Thun in Thrilling Champions League Qualifier

• by Shimanta Das
• July 30, 2026

In a dramatic second-leg clash of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, Dinamo Zagreb secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over FC Thun at Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. The win allowed the Croatian champions to advance with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline, setting up a crucial next-round encounter. The match, played under the floodlights in Zagreb, showcased the resilience of the home side as they overturned a first-leg deficit to keep their European dreams alive.

The game began with both teams displaying attacking intent, but it was Dinamo Zagreb who struck first. A well-worked move in the 67th minute saw M. break the deadlock, giving the hosts a vital lead. However, FC Thun responded quickly, leveling the score just minutes later through a clinical finish. The Swiss side, known for their strong overall form with a 57% win rate, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, but their lack of rest—having played only two days prior—proved a critical disadvantage as the match wore on.

Dinamo Zagreb’s superior fitness and home form (50% win rate, low concede average) began to tell in the latter stages. A minute after the equalizer, the game’s major turning point arrived: a second goal for the hosts restored their lead, and a late third goal sealed the victory. FC Thun managed to pull one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. The final scoreline of 3-2 reflected a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

With this result, Dinamo Zagreb advances to the next qualifying round, where they will face stiffer opposition. The tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff, combined with the team’s determination, were key to overcoming a resilient FC Thun side. For the Swiss team, the defeat marks the end of their Champions League journey, but they can take pride in a spirited performance that pushed a higher-seeded opponent to the limit. As the Champions League campaign progresses, Dinamo Zagreb will look to build on this momentum and continue their pursuit of a spot in the group stage.