Valincic Heroics Seal Dramatic Overtime Win for Dinamo

Dinamo Zagreb overcame a two-goal deficit to triumph 3-2 over FC Thun in a pulsating UEFA Champions League 2nd Qualifying Round encounter that went to extra time. The Croatian giants showed immense resilience after falling behind early, with Moris Valincic’s 112th-minute goal completing a remarkable turnaround that sent the Maksimir Stadium into raptures.

FC Thun Shock Dinamo in First Half

The Swiss visitors stunned the hosts in the 4th minute when Brighton Labeau latched onto Nassim Zoukit’s through ball and fired past Ivan Filipovic. Things went from bad to worse for Dinamo when Marco Bürki doubled Thun’s lead in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on Fabio Fehr’s assist. With tensions rising, Mateo Zajc and Bruno Goda were booked in quick succession as the Croats struggled to find their rhythm.

Dinamo Fight Back After Red Card

The game turned on its head in the 67th minute when Thun’s Bürki saw red for a reckless challenge. Dinamo pounced on their numerical advantage immediately, with Dion Beljo halving the deficit in the 74th minute after a pinpoint cross from Valincic. Just four minutes later, substitute Luka Kacavenda leveled the score, heading home Filip Topic’s delivery to set up a grandstand finish.

Extra Time Drama at Maksimir

With the scores locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match entered extra time. Dinamo’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 112th minute when Valincic capped off a superb individual performance, slotting home Josip Misic’s pass to crown a dramatic comeback. The Croatian champions’ superior fitness and possession (76%) ultimately proved decisive against a tiring Thun side.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Dinamo Zagreb, this hard-fought victory keeps their Champions League dream alive as they advance to the next qualifying round. The Croatian champions will take immense confidence from their ability to overcome adversity. Meanwhile, FC Thun can hold their heads high after pushing one of Europe’s more established teams to the limit. Despite the heartbreak, the Swiss side showed they can compete at this level and will look to rebuild for next season’s European campaign.

Key Moments

4′ ⚽ FC Thun — B. Labeau (assist: N. Zoukit)

22′ ⚽ FC Thun — M. Burki (assist: F. Fehr)

67′ 🟥 FC Thun — M. Burki sent off

74′ ⚽ Dinamo Zagreb — D. Beljo (assist: M. Valincic)

78′ ⚽ Dinamo Zagreb — L. Kacavenda (assist: F. Topic)

112′ ⚽ Dinamo Zagreb — M. Valincic (assist: J. Misic)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.