Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Žalgiris will face their biggest challenge of the season on Tuesday evening when they inside the Maksimir Stadium in Croatia take on Dinamo Zagreb in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. Match start time is 21:00 Baltic time.
Already enjoying the most successful European campaign in club history, Kauno Žalgiris have guaranteed themselves a place in the UEFA Conference League league phase at minimum, becoming only the second Lithuanian club after Žalgiris Vilnius to secure a spot in a UEFA league-stage competition. Now, the Kaunas side have the opportunity to continue their remarkable Champions League journey against one of Southeast Europe’s most decorated clubs.
Žalgiris began their European campaign by scoring two late goals to get past Kosovan champions Drita, winning the first qualifying round tie 4-3 on aggregate. They followed that up with another impressive defensive performance, eliminating Faroese champions KI Klaksvik 1-0 on aggregate to book a historic meeting with Dinamo Zagreb.
The Croatian champions also had to battle hard to reach the third qualifying round. Dinamo looked to be heading for an early exit after falling two goals behind in their tie against Swiss side Thun, but mounted a dramatic comeback before eventually sealing qualification in extra time. Since then, the Zagreb club have also begun their domestic campaign, opening the Croatian league season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Slaven Belupo on Friday.
Despite Dinamo entering the tie as clear favourites, Kauno Žalgiris have already shown they are capable of competing against strong opposition. Head coach Željko Sopic returns to his hometown to face the club where he previously worked, while attacking midfielder Ivan Fiolic, another former Dinamo player, is also set for an emotional reunion with his boyhood club.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sopic insisted emotions will be put aside once the game begins.
“It is a special day for me because I am returning to my city and my club, but tomorrow I am on the opposite side. My job is to do everything possible to help Kauno Žalgiris achieve a positive result.”
The Croatian coach also highlighted the challenge awaiting his players, many of whom will experience playing in front of more than 20,000 spectators for the first time.
“It will be a different experience for our players compared to Lithuania, but these are the matches everyone wants to play. We will enjoy the occasion.”
Awaiting the winners of the tie is another major challenge. Should Kauno Žalgiris eliminate Dinamo Zagreb, they will face Norwegian champions Viking in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Even if they fall short, their European journey will continue in the UEFA Europa League play-off, where they would take on the winner of the tie between Besiktas and Czech side Hradec Kralove.
The first leg will be played on Tuesday evening in Zagreb, with the return match taking place next week at the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas.
