Dinamo Zagreb crushes Kauno Žalgiris 5-0 in Champions League qualifier

Dinamo Zagreb secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. The Croatian champions established a significant advantage at home, with goals from Miha Zajc, Scott McKenna, Mateo Lisica, Luka Stojković, and Lukas Kačavenda.

The win puts Dinamo in a strong position to advance to the playoff round. Coach Mario Kovačević lauded his players for their dominant performance, stating they imposed themselves from the first minute and limited the opponent's chances.

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Congratulations to my players. We imposed ourselves from the first minute. It wasn't easy. They stood in a shallow block at the start. But we didn't allow them a single shot from the 16-meter area, which made it much easier for us. The goals came by themselves after we scored the first.

"Congratulations to my players. We imposed ourselves from the first minute. It wasn't easy," Kovačević said. "They stood in a shallow block at the start. But we didn't allow them a single shot from the 16-meter area, which made it much easier for us. The goals came by themselves after we scored the first."

Kovačević acknowledged Dinamo's favorite status but noted that Thun, a previous opponent, was a tougher competitor. He emphasized the team's focus on winning the second leg and beginning preparations for a potential playoff clash against Norway's Viking. The coach also highlighted his personal satisfaction with Lukas Kačavenda's development, having kept him at the club this season after a previous loan spell, and wished him a future free of injuries.

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I was sorry last year when Kačavenda went on loan. I did not allow him to go this season. I am happy for him, he had a lot of injuries. I wish him that he has as few as possible in the future.