Zajc Stuns Thun Late as Dinamo Zagreb Snatch 1-1 Draw

Dinamo Zagreb’s Miha Zajc broke Swiss hearts with an 86th-minute equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against FC Thun in a combustible Champions League second qualifying round first leg that saw four yellow cards and a dramatic momentum shift.

FC Thun’s Dream Start

The Stadion Lachen erupted after just 20 minutes when Brighton Labeau latched onto Fabio Fehr’s through ball to slot past Ivan Filipović. The Swiss underdogs, operating with just 43% possession, turned the tie into a physical battle – committing 18 fouls to Zagreb’s 13 as the visitors’ early yellow card for Zajc set the tone.

Dinamo Zagreb’s Growing Frustration

Mario Kovačević’s side dominated the ball with 57% possession and 19 total shots, but found Niklas Steffen in inspired form – the Thun keeper making three crucial saves before the break. The Croatian champions’ frustration boiled over when Mateo Lisica saw yellow on 63 minutes, shortly before being hooked in a triple substitution that changed the game.

The Late Twist

With Thun tiring after four defensive substitutions, Franjo Topić’s introduction proved decisive. The substitute’s 86th-minute cross found Zajc – the early villain turned hero – who atoned for his first-half booking by hammering home from close range to silence the home crowd.

What This Means

This gutting late concession leaves Thun’s European dreams hanging by a thread ahead of next week’s return leg at Maksimir Stadium, where Dinamo’s superior quality and home advantage will make them favourites to progress. For Zagreb, this great escape keeps alive their hopes of reaching the group stages for the fifth time in six years – but Kovačević will demand more cutting edge after needing 19 shots to break down Swiss part-timers.