Dinamo Tirana vs Hajduk Split
Dinamo Tirana
Exceeding Expectations: Dinamo Tirana’s European Journey
To be frank, the Albanian club has already surpassed all expectations. The first match in Split clearly revealed the limits of their capabilities. Yes, they managed to score first, but it was more of a fleeting surge, a stroke of luck, rather than a logical outcome of well-structured play. Davey Bregu’s long-range goal was a one-off event, not a systematic approach to attack.
Defensive Fragilities Exposed
As soon as Hajduk intensified their game, Dinamo’s entire structure crumbled. The statistics from the second half of the first leg speak volumes. Croatian possession surged to 69%, while the Albanians managed only two shots on goal. Coach Ilir Daja himself admitted after the match that his team conceded “easy goals due to their own mistakes,” which points to clear defensive issues.
Squad Instability and Limited Ambitions
Moreover, Dinamo struggled even against a far more modest opponent from Andorra, Atletic Escaldes, drawing 1-1 at home. This is a clear indicator of the team’s true level. Adding to this, the club isn’t holding onto its key players – their top scorer, Baton Zaberxha, is reportedly set to leave the team immediately after the matches against Hajduk, which suggests a lack of serious ambition in this European campaign.
Hajduk Split
Hajduk Split: Dominance in Class and Value
The Croatian powerhouse approaches the return leg fully prepared and with a clear advantage in class. The difference in squad value is enormous: €38 million for Hajduk versus €7 million for Dinamo. Hajduk’s captain, Marko Livaja, alone is valued at almost the same as the entire Dinamo Tirana squad.
Clinical Response and Second-Half Control
In the first encounter, after conceding first, Gonzalo García’s men did not panic but systematically increased pressure and turned the game around. The second half was entirely theirs: 17 shots on goal throughout the match and total control of the game after the break. They created enough chances to win by a much larger margin, and only low conversion rates and a strong performance from the opposing goalkeeper kept the intrigue alive.
Current Form and Key Player Returns
Currently, Hajduk is in excellent form, securing four victories in their last five official matches. Key attacking player Marko Livaja, who missed the league match due to suspension, returns rested for the second leg. Even Dinamo coach Ilir Daja couldn’t help but acknowledge the high level of Hajduk’s players, specifically highlighting Krovinovic and Hrgovic, which confirms the obvious superiority of the Croatians in individual skill.
Conclusion: Hajduk’s Unquestionable Superiority
The first match in Split laid all cards on the table. We witnessed a team that can score a random long-range goal, and a team capable of dominating, creating chances, and securing victory through sheer class. Hajduk demonstrated that they are clearly superior both tactically and technically. They completely controlled the flow of the second half, and there is no reason to believe that anything will fundamentally change in Tirana.
Mark Thompson
