Dinamo Zagreb’s European run over after defeat to Manchester City

ZAGREB, 11 December 2019 – Dinamo Zagreb have been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at Maksimir stadium on Wednesday night. 

With Atalanta beating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0, Dinamo Zagreb have finished at the bottom of Group C. Atalanta, who lost 4-0 to Dinamo in the opening round, join Manchester City in the last 16. Shakhtar Donetsk will join the Europa League whilst Dinamo’s European run is over for another season. 

It could not have been a better start for the Croatian champions in front of a packed Maksimir crowd as Dani Olmo would give the home side the lead in the 10th minute. The Spanish international scored one of the goals of the season when he met a cross from Kądzior with a sublime first-time volley which would crash into the roof of the net. 

For 24 minutes, Dinamo Zagreb were in last 16 of the Champions League but then the Gabriel Jesus show would begin. 

The Brazilian would head home a Mahrez cross from the right to equalise, before giving the visitors the lead in the 50th minute when he  would turn to find space in the box before calmly finishing past Livakovic. 

Jesus would complete his hat-trick four minutes later when he would tap in from a cross from the right. Manchester City would make it 4-1 in the 84th minute when Foden tapped home a cross from close range. 

It was a disappointing end to what has been an impressive run in Europe this season.

“It is a hard blow to exit Europe after losing tonight and Atalanta winning. We are a good team, we have a great coach and team spirit and its a shame we didn’t go further but we will be back better next year. Thanks to the fans who supported us throughout,” captain Arijan Ademi said after the match.  

“I am proud of these guys on and off the pitch and with these guys and the fans we done some great things. I am proud to be their coach,” Nenad Bjelica said.