The debut of Sergej Jakirović in the coaching role, the debut of Bruno Petković as captain, the debut of Luka Stojković in a playing role... Numerous details marked the Europa League play-off match, a clash in which Dinamo overcame Sparta Prague 3-1 through a result turnaround and tremendous energy in the second half. In the return leg, the Czechs managed to overturn the deficit, winning 4-1, progressing to the group stage while Dinamo continued their European campaign in the Conference League.

The Blues recorded their 150th victory in the history of European club competitions that evening. Goalkeeper Ivan Nevistić marked his first appearance in the "post-Livaković era", while Maksimir centre-back Boško Šutalo played in an official match for the first time after almost a year out due to injury.

The entire Maksimir spectacle was also marked by a farewell video in which Dominik Livaković emotionally addressed the fans regarding the end of his seven-year Maksimir episode in his first stint. Spectators also chanted for Luka Ivanušec, sensing this might be his last appearance in the blue shirt, with the stands thundering: "Luka! Luka!" And indeed, it was his final appearance for Dinamo...

The match ignited in the very end of the first half when, within five minutes, the visitors took the lead and Zagreb equalised. In the 39th minute, in a scramble in Dinamo's penalty area following a cross from the right, the ball bounced off Dino Perić's hand at the edge of the six-yard box, and Italian referee Marco Guida, after a VAR review, watched the replay and pointed to the penalty spot. Sparta captain Ladislav Krejčí converted from the spot.

The stands erupted in the 44th minute when new Maksimir captain Petković initiated the equalising move. He elegantly carried the ball through the middle of the pitch past the opposition defence before releasing it right to Dario Špikić at the last moment, who charged forward furiously and spectacularly struck with his right foot's outside into the far corner.

Dinamo's powerful start to the second half paid off in the 59th and immediately after in the 61st minute. Within less than 100 seconds, the Blues took the lead and then extended their advantage. Marko Bulat delivered from the corner, the goalkeeper first saved Petković's shot, then immediately after Ivanušec's header attempt, but could do nothing on the third attack when Perić rushed in and, also with his head, hammered the ball into the net.

Two minutes later, Ivanušec found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper on the right side of the penalty area after a clever one-two with Robert Ljubičić, calmly slotting the ball home for a commanding 3-1 lead.

Ivanušec came close to finding the net again in the 67th minute, shooting from the left, but the ball whistled past the far post.