Key Takeaways:
- Viking FK overturned a two-goal deficit to hold Dinamo Zagreb to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off at Stadion Maksimir
- Dion Beljo scored and assisted for Dinamo Zagreb in the opening 10 minutes
- The tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Stavanger, with Dinamo Zagreb still unbeaten this season
Match Overview
Viking FK displayed remarkable resilience last night by battling back from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw with Dinamo Zagreb in their UEFA Champions League play-off round first-leg contest at Stadion Maksimir. The Norwegian side endured a nightmare opening 10 minutes, but responded strongly to ensure the tie remains level heading to the return fixture.
U Norvešku po prolaz! 💪💙 pic.twitter.com/JJjqBIilOB
— GNK Dinamo (@gnkdinamo) August 18, 2026
Early Dominance from Dinamo
The home side started with clinical intent, striking first after only 6 minutes. VAR was consulted to confirm that Dion Drena Beljo remained onside before tapping in Matteo Perez Vinlof’s low cross at close range.
Just four minutes later, Beljo capitalised on a misplaced back pass from Henrik Falchener and assisted teammate Mateo Lisica, whose composed finish granted Dinamo Zagreb a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Dinamo nearly extended this advantage to three on 23 minutes, when Miha Zajc went agonisingly close, striking the post with a powerful effort.
Viking’s Response and Leveller
Despite being under significant pressure, Viking responded against the run of play on 29 minutes. Tobias Moi slipped an incisive pass through to Peter Christiansen, who buried his chance into the top of the net to halve the deficit. Buoyed by this breakthrough, Viking pushed forward and found an equaliser six minutes before half-time. Moi was again the architect, supplying captain Zlatko Tripic out wide, where he coolly bent his finish in off the far post to level matters at 2-2.
Second Half Analysis
After a frenetic first half, the second period began with Dinamo Zagreb again seeking control. Luka Stojkovic narrowly missed the target with a header from Sergi Dominguez’s delivery. Although the Croatian side dominated possession and territory, clear opportunities were at a premium until the 73rd minute, when Arild Ostbo produced a sharp save to deny Mislav Orsic’s snapshot.
Viking nearly snatched a late lead, as Gianni Stensness just failed to connect with Christiansen’s cutback. In the dying minutes, Dinamo pressed for a winner, but the Norwegian visitors held firm.
As a result, both teams will head to Stavanger all square, setting up an intriguing conclusion to the play-off.
