Dinamo Zagreb stun Milan in Champions League but miss out on goal difference
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb have just missed out on clinching a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase despite upsetting AC Milan at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb on Wednesday night 2-1.
Croatian international Martin Baturina pounced on a defensive blunder, slotting home in the 19th minute to make it 1-0.
American-Croatian Christian Pulisic then levelled after the break for Milan before Marko Pjaca scored the winner in the 60th minute.
This win brings Dinamo’s point tally to 11, the same as Manchester City, Sporting Lisbon and Club Brugge, but they failed to secure their place among the 24 teams advancing in the competition due to an inferior goal difference.
Milan were nearly 2-0 down against Dinamo Zagreb after going down to 10 following Yunus Musah’s red card…
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 29, 2025
But USMNT forward Christian Pulisic has drawn his side level. pic.twitter.com/vptKGOWxPu
This season’s Champions League journey has been a rollercoaster, with heavy defeats to European giants—9-2 against Bayern Munich, 3-0 to Arsenal, and another 3-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. However, they’ve also showcased resilience, registering wins against Slovan Bratislava (4-1) and Salzburg (2-0), and earning draws with Celtic (0-0) and Monaco (2-2).
The draw for these play-offs is set for 31 January 2025, with first legs scheduled on 11 and 12 February, and return fixtures on 18 and 19 February.