UEFA Champions League: Dinamo Zagreb earn a point against Shakhtar Donetsk

DONETSK, 22 October 2019 –  Dinamo Zagreb has earned a point away to  Shakhtar Donetsk in their UEFA Champions League Group C clash at Donbass Arena on Tuesday night.

A goal either side of halftime from Dani Olmo and Mislav Orsic has helped the Croatian champions to a 2-2 draw against the Ukrainians. 

Dinamo, who started with Croatian international Bruno Petkovic on the bench, looked defensive in the opening stages of the match and in the 16th minute fell behind when Shakhtar ended a flowing move with Konoplyanka beating Emir Dilaver before finishing past Dominik Livakovic to make it 1-0.

The small group of Dinamo Zagreb fans were loud and passionate from the opening whistle and they would have something to celebrate in the 25th minute when Dinamo would find the equaliser. 

Orsic would make a run down the left before sending in a low cross that  Olmo would meet with an expert finish. 

The goal would put life into Dinamo and they would look the more likely to extend the lead in the remaining 20 minutes of the half. Whilst the scores remained level at the break, the visitors went close to taking the lead five minutes into the second spell when Orsic was denied by the post. The rebound would find Olmo but his curling shot would be brilliantly saved. 

Dinamo were then awarded a penalty in the 60th minute after Mario Gavranovic was brought down by Shakhtar keeper Pyatov. Croatian international Orsic made no mistake from the spot to give Dinamo a 2-1 lead. 

The hosts would level in the 75th minute when Dodo latched onto a through ball in the box and he would round Livakovic and cooly finish to make it 2-2.

Shakhtar pushed for a winner in the final minutes but Dinamo’s solid defence was up to the task and they would nearly get a winner themselves but the post would deny Olmo.

Dinamo are now in second place in the group on goal difference ahead of Shakhtar with Manchester City in first place.

Remaining matches:

6.11 – Dinamo – Shakhtar (21:00)
26.11 – Atalanta – Dinamo (21:00)
11.12 – Dinamo – Manchester City (18:55)

Group C