Dinamo's coach Kovačević: "Mistakes killed us, we were too naive to be eliminated from Champions League"

Zagreb's Dinamo has been eliminated from Champions League contention, failing to secure a spot for the tenth time in its history. The Croatian club lost the playoff's return leg 3-1 to Norwegian side Viking, following a 2-2 draw in the first match in Zagreb. This aggregate score of 5-3 ends Dinamo's hopes of competing in Europe's elite club competition.

Dinamo's coach, Mario Kovačević, expressed disappointment, stating that "mistakes killed us" and that the team was "too naive" in their approach. He highlighted critical errors, particularly in defending set pieces and during the start of the second half, which allowed Viking to gain the upper hand. Despite periods of dominance and missed opportunities, Dinamo could not overcome these crucial lapses.

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We started the game well. We imposed ourselves, scored, and had chances before that. We dominated the first half, but then they scored from a penalty and came back. We also had chances later, but we didn't take them. We went into halftime with a draw. We agreed at halftime to continue as in the first half. The beginning of the second half was decisive. Mistakes killed us. For the first time, we didn't defend an out-of-bounds throw-in well. We were on the ropes, but we managed to pull ourselves together. I hoped for a second goal. I must congratulate Viking, who defended well.

As a consolation, Dinamo will participate in the Europa League group stage. The draw for this competition is set to take place on Friday at 1 p.m., where Dinamo will learn its opponents. Kovačević urged his players to lift their heads and focus on the upcoming Europa League campaign, emphasizing that they have eight matches ahead in that tournament.

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I think we were eliminated too naively. We led, made mistakes, and then conceded goals. We know Viking is a good team, but we showed that we are better when we impose ourselves. After the third goal, it was psychologically difficult. We fell later. I don't blame the players for anything, they need to lift their heads. We have eight games in the Europa League. I don't know if it was a handball, VAR intervened, the referee whistled, I don't want to comment on that.