Dinamo Zagreb beats Rapid to edge towards Europa League knockout round 

Bruno Petković celebrates

ZAGREB, 4 November 2021 – Dinamo Zagreb have taken a big step to reaching the knockout phase of the UEFA Europa League after a victory over Rapid Wien in Zagreb on Thursday night. 

Dinamo Zagreb came from a goal down to beat Rapid Wien 3-1 at Maksimir Stadium in their Group H clash in front of their fans Bad Blue Boys who were celebrating their 35th birthday. 

The visitors made a bright start and in the 8th minute they would take the lead when Christop Knasmüllner found the back of the net.

The goal spurred Dinamo into action and it did not take long for the reply to come. Good work by Mislav Oršić down the left saw the Croatian International pick out Bruno Petković at the back post and he would make no mistake, angling his header past the Rapid keeper. 

Dinamo would take the lead in the 34 minute when Petković send Bartol Franjić down the left and his cross across the face of the goal would be steered in by Komnen Andrić.

Bad Blue Boys were celebrating their 35th birthday

The home side deserved the lead at the break and in the second half they were again the more dominant side. In the 62nd minute Oršić nearly extended the lead, hitting the post from a free-kick. Dinamo extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Josip Šutalo headed home a free kick from substitute Marko Bulat. 

Rapid Wien tired to find their way back, but with the Bad Blue Boys in full voice behind the Dinamo defence, they would not find a way through as Dinamo collected an important three points.

The Croatians are now second in the group, three points behind West Ham who lead the group with 10 points after being held to a 2-2 draw tonight by Genk. 

Group H standings (UEFA)

Dinamo will face Genk next in Zagreb on 25 November before meeting West Ham in their final group match away in London on 9 December.