A demanding, strong opponent with harmoniously integrated and quality individuals is the main characteristic of Dinamo's opponent at the final step before entering the Champions League. Norwegian side Viking will visit Zagreb on Tuesday at 9 PM in the first leg of the elite European club competition playoff, and the Maksimir players will, of course, do everything to surpass the energetic "Vikings" with their quality, performance and heart.

This will also be Dinamo's third match against Norwegian opponents in Champions League qualifiers. The Blues defeated Molde in the 3rd qualifying round in 2015, and then overcame Rosenborg in the playoff in 2019 and Bodø/Glimt in 2022.

An additional interesting "detail" is that Dinamo is approaching a nice "milestone": the Blues have scored 598 goals in the history of European club competitions so far, meaning just two more goals separate them from the "round" 600.

Additionally, Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević and excellent midfielder Luka Stojković congratulated the Bad Blue Boys on their 40th birthday at the start of the press conference, one day before the match.

– I congratulate our best fans on their 40th birthday. Naturally, the best congratulation would be a victory on Tuesday and we'll give our all to make it happen – coach Kovačević highlighted in a festive atmosphere, and Stojković followed in the same manner:

– I also want to congratulate our fans on their birthday and, as the coach said, the best gift is a victory on Tuesday.

The Maksimir strategist then reported on the team's condition.

– The situation is good, I think we're on the right course. We've already played six, seven matches, and we're getting better in each one. If we want to reach the Champions League, and we do, then we must be at our best on Tuesday. I'm excited about this match, all the boys are healthy and ready.

The opponent is extremely quality.

– Viking is a Scandinavian team, and they defend very well, but also attack with equal quality. Many players get involved in the final phase of attacks, the team has been together for five, six years. They are primarily good as a team, while also having individual quality. They have excellent attackers led by captain Zlatko Tripić who makes the difference. They run very well, we must be at the right level. We've scouted them well.

The Norwegian championship runs through the calendar year, where 18 rounds have already been played.

– That can be an advantage, they're in good form, but we're not in bad form either. We've played seven official matches, we're gradually raising the tempo and getting better all the time.

How important will it be to stop Tripić?

– That will be very important, he's their captain, main player, has experience and knowledge. We've prepared, but with such players it's always difficult. Still, we've played against better ones and we believe we'll stop him.

Dinamo's squad was meanwhile left by Gabriel Vidović, which has somewhat reduced rotation possibilities.

– I thank Vidović for everything he gave to Dinamo, there were many good matches, he'll be missed in the team, in rotation. But whoever's not here, we must go on without them. We have excellent players although I'm sorry he left.

Visiting journalists were interested in coach Kovačević's opinion about Norwegian teams.

– Matches against Norwegian opponents have always been interesting and difficult for us. I expect it will be the same on Tuesday. Norwegian football has generally risen a lot, there are more and more good teams which makes me happy because Norwegians invest a lot. On this occasion, I also want to congratulate the Norwegian national team on their excellent performance at the World Cup.

A question about the stadium followed.

– This stadium has history. We're also sorry that the east stand is empty. The fans gave us strong support from that place. We're solving this issue, these are the last matches at such a stadium, soon a new, beautiful facility will be built, the kind that Zagreb, Croatia and the national team deserve.

What do you think about artificial turf? You'll play the return leg in Norway on such a surface.

– Personally, I much prefer natural grass, but I have nothing against artificial turf. We have it too, younger categories also train on such surfaces. I say, I have nothing against it, especially in such regions where there are problems with maintaining natural grass – coach Kovačević concluded.

In a similar way, with optimism, confidence, but also caution, Luka Stojković speaks as well.

– We know what kind of match awaits us, we know it will be very difficult. At this stage of the competition there are no easy opponents, especially when it comes to Scandinavian clubs. We know what kind of football they play, they're very aggressive, but we'll give our all and I hope for victory.

These days in media space, on social networks, numerous photos have been evoked from the time when Luka Stojković and Lukas Kačavenda were recovering from serious injury. Now both are on the rise in form.

– As difficult as it was then, it's still nice to remember the recovery period now. I had coach Stipe with me, Kačavenda, an excellent team... We were constantly connected. Of course, the most important thing was to recover maximally for the continuation of my career. I'm overjoyed that now, I hope, I can help Dinamo take a step towards the Champions League.

With Vidović's departure, the number 10 jersey became available, and in some media and among fans the idea has already emerged that Stojković could "take charge" of it.

– Of course it's a big thing that people mention me in that context, we know what legends have worn number 10. But that's not up to me, it's the coach's and club's decision. Of course I'd like to, we'll see – Stojković concluded, to which coach Kovačević added:

– He would get that jersey tomorrow, but we registered him under number 7.