Viking host Dinamo Zagreb in a finely balanced play-off second leg after an eventful 2-2 draw in Croatia. Viking have made seven changes from their usual lineup, introducing significant uncertainty, and were heavily out-shot in the first meeting, yet they showed resilience to sco…
Viking welcome Dinamo Zagreb for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off on 26 August 2026, with the tie poised at 2-2 after a breathless first leg. The Norwegian champions fought back from two goals down in the Croatian capital to leave themselves with a genuine chance of reaching the group stage for the first time. Dinamo, meanwhile, arrive knowing their European pedigree and free-scoring form gives them every reason to believe they can finish the job.
How the First Leg Unfolded
Dinamo Zagreb looked to be cruising inside 10 minutes. Dion Drena Beljo turned home Matteo Perez Vinlof’s drilled cross in the sixth minute — a goal confirmed by VAR — and four minutes later he intercepted a loose back-pass from Henrik Falchener to square for Mateo Lisica to double the lead. The hosts almost made it three when Miha Zajc struck a post, but Viking clawed their way back. Tobias Moi’s clever pass released Peter Christiansen, who lashed into the roof of the net on 29 minutes. Six minutes later, captain Zlatko Tripic swept in an equaliser that silenced the Maksimir stands and altered the tie’s complexion.
Team News and Injury Latest
Viking are still without defender Martin Ove Roseth, who has not played this calendar year due to a long-term knee injury. Danish centre-back Anders Bærtelsen remains sidelined after breaking his foot in training — surgery will keep him out for several months. Forward Veton Berisha is also unavailable. Former Australia international Gianni Stensness is expected to anchor the defence once more. Dinamo Zagreb are without goalkeeper Ivan Filipovic, suspended after a first-half red card against Kauno Zalgiris. Kevin Theophile-Catherine (injury) and Aleks Stojakovic are also missing. Striker Dion Beljo, fresh from a domestic brace against Rudes, will lead the attack.
Dinamo coach Mario Kovačević underlined the challenge. “They run very well, we must be at the right level,” he said. “We’ve scouted them well. Captain Zlatko Tripic makes the difference.”
Key Battle: Zlatko Tripic vs Dinamo’s Defensive Organisation
Tripic has registered six goals and 14 assists in the 2026 Eliteserien season and was the man who punished Dinamo on the counter in the first leg. His ability to find space in transition will test a Dinamo defence that has kept only one clean sheet in their last five European qualifiers. Dinamo’s midfield, anchored by Josip Mišić, must shield the back line when full-backs push forward, because any stretched structure gives Tripic and Christiansen the corridors they exploited so effectively last week.
What Is at Stake
A place in the Champions League group stage — and the financial and sporting rewards that come with it — hangs on 90 minutes. Dinamo, Croatian champions for the third time in four seasons, are seasoned qualifiers who have previously overcome Molde, Rosenborg and Bodø/Glimt at this stage. Viking, deep in their domestic campaign, are determined to join Europe’s elite for the first time. The tie is finely balanced, and the second leg will be decided by which side handles the pressure when the first mistake is made.
