We prepared well for the match, we knew the opponent would sit in a defensive block, but it wasn't easy for us until the first goal, highlighted Dinamo's coach Mario Kovačević after the first leg of the Champions League 3rd qualifying round in which his team outplayed Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 5-0.

– It's not easy when the opponent defends well and in an organized manner, you have to 'break them down' with a shot or a good move. We managed to do that, we scored very quickly and then another goal. In the second half we were looking for the third goal... In the end I'm satisfied with both the performance and the result. The opponent hit the crossbar, they had that one situation, but everything else was in our favour. We scored five goals with five different scorers. Dion Drena Beljo wasn't among the scorers this time, but I certainly have to praise him because he was really good in everything else he did on the pitch. We have a week ahead of us in which we can prepare calmly for the return leg. After that we'll have matches every three or four days.

Dinamo will therefore go into the return leg with a five-goal advantage. Is this an opportunity for some players who have played less so far to get a chance in Lithuania?

– You've seen for yourselves that in these four matches we've given almost all players a chance, they even have roughly equal playing time. We'll continue like this in the busy schedule that awaits us soon. They're all good and quality players. But we're going to the return leg in Lithuania seriously, with the desire for another victory.

If they advance to the play-off, Dinamo will play against Norwegian side Viking.

– I wouldn't talk about Viking now. We want to remain sporting until the end, we want to first get through the return leg and then after that talk about what follows. Žalgiris is better and more quality on their home ground than they were here.

This match also showed how much Luka Stojković means to Dinamo.

– I've said that many times, last year too when the team was being assembled, when Stojković became the key player he showed that he makes all of us better.

Did you manage to speak with your colleague Željko Sopić, Žalgiris' coach?

– We've always been on good terms, from our playing days and, of course, later as colleagues. I respect both him and everything he's done. He gets the maximum out of his teams. After all, Kauno Žalgiris has already achieved historic success in this part of the season, they've secured at least a place in the Conference League. They're not as bad as we were good this evening. I wish my colleague Sopić lots of luck – added coach Kovačević.