Sunday 25 February 2024

A short trip to Croatia to catch the Dinamo Zagreb - European Conference League Play-Off game but managed a bonus game.


Had spotted the National League U19 games were being played on the day I arrived, and with one kicking off at 2pm, a chance to see if I could make that game. Plane landed on time and a taxi fare of just 28 Euros made it a no brainer:


Wednesday 21 February 2024, 2pm

NK Seveste Under 19 1 NK Lokomotiva Zagreb 2
National U19 League
G3 Pitch- next to Stadion Sv, Josip Radnik

Attendance: 152 h/c (Official attendance on website of 50)


Arrived at the game with 45 minutes to spare and spotted the U17 game between the same teams, disappointingly it was on a G3 pitch behind one of the goals, the U19 game was also on the same pitch , a small open stand was on side of pitch, with a few benches behind one corner flag, however the game could also be watched from the left hand side of the main stand.



Lokomotiva dominated the game but were only one up at half time, they went 2-0 up after 65 minutes then it was all about penalty kicks, The home team missed one after 72 minutes, then they scored from teh spot after 75 minutes then Lokomotiva missed a penalty after 77 minutes. Good sized crowd for an entertaining game.


Then it was a mile walk to the train station and a short/cheap train ride to Zagreb city centre and short tram trip to my hostel.

A day spent sightseeing in Zagreb, recommend the 80s museum - even had some Yugoslav and Dinamo football magazines and sticker albums on show, also spotted a number of the Betis backroom staff walking round the old town and a few Betis fans.

As I went to catch my tram to the ground, it happened to be the same time as 300 Betis fans were being escorted to the tram to get to the ground, so jumped on the same tram.











Thursday 22 February 2024, Kick off, 6.45pm
Dinamo Zagreb 1 Real Betis 1
European Conference League, play-off
Stadion Makismir

Admission: 20 Euros, print at home


Ground - what can you say, Croatian FA have done well financially from FIFA and UEFA from runs in the World Cup, but other than the outside façade, nothing seems to have been spent on the ground. All stands in the open, concrete in poor condition and one stand still closed after an earthquake. However, still a great atmosphere and with a (rare) full house it was even better.

Zagreb had shocked many by winning at Betis and they were on top in the first half but it was the visitors who took the lead after 38 minutes.

Many thought that the Spanish team would now show their class, however Zagreb kept pressing and got back on terms after 59 minutes and saw the game out quite easy, they even had a penalty awarded but turned down after a VAR check.

Got to the tram stop quickly after the game, but a long wait still as the roads were closed till all fans had left the stadium.

Great city and two good games.




















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