Dinamo will head into the hunt for their 'milestone' 10th Champions League appearance on Wednesday evening. A furious start to the first leg at Maksimir, an early 2-0 lead, great chances for a third goal, and then two moments of carelessness and a quick equalizer. That was the 'timeline' of the first Champions League play-off clash in which Dinamo and Norwegian side Viking played out a 2-2 draw, with the final decision to be made on Wednesday. The return leg is scheduled for 21:00 in Stavanger, where the winner will secure a place in the Champions League group stage, while the losing side will continue their European season in the Europa League.

– It's important that we are all healthy, the boys are determined to give everything and we are going for victory. We know it won't be easy, Viking are the home team, we know there's no second chance after this match, we all want to make our fans happy and reach the Champions League – emphasized Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević.

Both teams had the opportunity to get to know each other better in the first leg, to spot strengths and weaknesses, and the impression is that Dinamo, despite the inconclusive result, showed they are the better team on that occasion.

– Yes, and we saw that Europe doesn't forgive mistakes. For a large part of the match we were very good, excellent at the beginning. We are aware that we cannot make errors, Viking have quality, they are good as a team and have brilliant individuals who punish every opponent's mistake. I believe that on Wednesday we won't make mistakes, that we will be brave and determined, aware that from the first minute we must go for victory.

Reaching the Champions League would be a special 'icing on the cake', especially after last season's brilliant campaign.

– We are one step away from the dream. And we've been dreaming of it for the past year. We've done a great job, I see tremendous desire in all the players to take that one final step. It won't be easy, but we believe in ourselves, we've started the season well.

The coach has pleasant selection dilemmas ahead of him.

– Yes, we have pleasant dilemmas, it's good that everyone is healthy. Luka Stojković is recovering, he's been training, we'll see how his leg reacts to this surface. I believe he will be in contention. We have players who are in good form, we must respect that. Those who are most ready and bravest will play. After all, whoever we've put in the team so far has responded well. I believe we will be at our best on Wednesday, especially as a team.

They will play on artificial turf in Stavanger.

– I won't even mention the surface, we're playing 11 against 11, we'll have the support of our fans again and we'll give everything to get the victory – concluded coach Kovačević.

His words and train of thought were echoed by Maksimir captain Josip Mišić, who has already experienced playing in the elite European club competition in the blue jersey.

– Reaching the group stage would certainly mean a lot to us. The Champions League is the best club competition. I've played in it, and it's an incredible feeling. We are ready, we have a great chance and I hope we'll seize it. I expect a similar match to the one in Zagreb, I think we showed we are the better team. Maybe we'll be even a bit better in possession on this pitch, but I expect they will be a bit more aggressive. I think they have nothing to surprise us with. We've seen everything, the cards are on the table. From the first minute we're going for victory. The atmosphere is excellent, we've been on a good run since last season, we've been unbeaten for a long time and I would be happiest if it stays that way, if we win – added Mišić.