Dinamo Zagreb Stages Dramatic Comeback to Reach Champions League Third Qualifying Round

Dinamo Zagreb secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Swiss side Thun after extra time on July 28, 2026, advancing to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The Croatian team overturned a two-goal deficit at home in Maksimir Stadium, where Brighton Leivo and Marco Bürki scored early for Thun. However, Thun was reduced to ten men in the 67th minute after the second goal scorer was sent off. Dinamo Zagreb responded quickly with goals from Dion Beilo and substitute Lukas Kacavenda to force extra time. In the 112th minute, Morys Valincic sealed the comeback with a stunning strike from outside the box.

This victory ensured Dinamo Zagreb's progression in the Champions League qualifiers, while Thun will continue their European campaign in the Europa League qualifiers. Meanwhile, other second-round matches concluded with Sabah FK from Azerbaijan defeating Finnish side KuPS 2-0 (3-0 on aggregate), and Swedish club Mjällby securing advancement after a goalless draw against Lincoln Red Imps from Gibraltar, following a 3-0 first-leg win. In the non-champions path, Austria's Sturm Graz beat Hearts 2-0 (6-0 aggregate), with goals from Simon Seidl and Amran Zoghlou.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva also aims to overturn their deficit against Vikingur to reach the third qualifying round of the Champions League. The recent matches mark significant progress for several clubs in the early stages of European competition this season.