Dinamo's footballers earned a point at the start of the Europa League league phase. In doing so, they kept their first clean sheet in the league phase of a European competition for the first time in almost two years, since December 2024. The Zagreb side faced Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva in the first round match in Bucharest, who formally play as hosts at Giulești Stadium, home of Rapid, in their Europa League fixtures. The match ended goalless.

Coach Mario Kovačević tried to find the right formula for his team's attacking department, with Dion Drena Beljo missing from the squad due to insufficient recovery, so the Maksimir strategist deployed Arbër Hoxha in the centre of the attacking line. However, difficulties arose as early as the 23rd minute when Dinamo's coach had to adjust the midfield. Lukas Kačavenda had to leave the pitch due to injury. Miha Zajc came on in his place.

Dinamo controlled the game in the first twenty minutes, circling around the opponent's penalty area, but lacked the finishing touch to capitalize on their period of dominance. Gradually, the Israelis stabilized and took possession.

Hapoel threatened in the 25th minute, Amankwah Forson struck with his left foot from 18 metres in a counter-attack, slightly from the left, and hit the far post. In stoppage time of the first half, Zahi Ahmed shot from a similar position, but with his right foot, the ball flew towards the far corner, and Maksimir goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski managed to punch it out of play with a flying save.

The Blues had their biggest chance at the start of the second half, Luka Stojković launched a counter-attack, Hoxha played it left where Mislav Oršić received it and struck powerfully with his right foot, but goalkeeper Ofir Marciano managed to punch it away into the field.

Just six minutes later Pedro Amador crossed from the left, Igor Zlatanović headed from a standing position, without jumping, from seven metres, and Kotarski saved with a brilliant stop under the crossbar.

The Reds created another chance, in the 73rd minute Javon East won the ball on the right side at the very corner of the penalty area, he whipped a sharp low ball into the middle, and Maksimir captain Josip Mišić at the last moment "emerged from the grass" and slid in just as Amir Ganah was about to score what seemed a certain goal.

Dinamo's next test in the Europa League comes on 15 October in Zagreb against Anderlecht.

Bucharest, 16 September 2026.

UEFA Europa League, Round 1

Hapoel Beer Sheva – Dinamo 0-0

Giulești Stadium

Hapoel Beer Sheva: Marciano – Mizrahi, Vitor, Baltaxa (82. Davidzada), Amador (82. Nachmias) – Yehoshua; East (75. Abu Rumi), Forson (75. Kanaan), Ahmed, Malede (69. Ganah) – Zlatanović

Coach: Ran Kozuch

Dinamo: Kotarski – Galešić, Dominguez, McKenna, Goda – Mišić; Lisica (78. Almena), Stojković (78. Kravtsov), Kačavenda (23. Zajc), Oršić (64. Ivanušec) – Hoxha (64. Prevljak)

Coach: Mario Kovačević

Referee: John Brooks (England)