Dinamo Zagreb’s great European run ends at Villarreal 

(Screenshot/Arena Sport)

Dinamo Zagreb’s fantastic run in the UEFA Europa League has ended at the hands of Villarreal. 

Dinamo Zagreb was knocked out tonight after losing their quarter-final tie against Spanish La Liga club Villarreal 2-1 (3-1 aggregate) at the Estadio de la Cerámica. 

Villarreal started the match much like they did last week in Zagreb,  dominating possession, controlling play and being the only side looking likely to score. 

Despite having most of the possession, Villarreal were unable to find a way through until the 36th minute when Alcácer tapped in a cross from Chukwueze into an open goal. 

Chukwueze was initially ruled offside but VAR would overturn the decision to make the score 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate. 

The goal seemed to frustrate Dinamo who started to lose concentration and it was no surprise when the home side doubled just before halftime through Moreno. 

Needing at least three goals to get a result, Dinamo came out after the break with a lot more urgency and energy. Mayer and Oršić had chances for Dinamo, whilst Livaković at the other end prevented the home side extending the lead. 

Oršić finally pulled a goal back for Dinamo with 15 minutes to go to give them a glimmer of hope. Oršić would find Petković who laid the ball on with a neat back heal and Oršić would coolly slot the ball in to the far corner of the net.

Villarreal went close to scoring again but the woodwork and Livaković helped keep the score the same. 

Dinamo tried in the last ten minutes but there would be no miracle comeback and they farewelled what has been one of the club’s most successful campaigns in Europe. 

The highlight of the campaign came in the round of 16 when they would beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 in Zagreb to complete an amazing comeback after trailing 2-0 from the first leg.