Dinamo Zagreb 2-4 NEC Nijmegen: Dutch Visitors Stun Maksimir in UEFA Europa League Thriller

NEC Nijmegen produced one of the standout away performances of the UEFA Europa League league phase, defeating Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 at Stadion Maksimir on 23 October 2026. The Dutch side were ruthless in transition, twice restoring their advantage before pulling clear in the second half to leave the Croatian champions with plenty to ponder in the standings.

Dinamo had hoped to use home advantage to impose themselves on the contest, but NEC’s compact shape and sharp counter-attacking proved decisive. The visitors scored four times from a combination of high pressing, quick combinations and clinical finishing, while Dinamo’s possession-heavy approach too often left them exposed at the back.

Match Overview

The match was a first competitive meeting between the two clubs and it quickly developed into a tactical battle. Dinamo saw more of the ball, building through midfield and looking to feed Bruno Petković and Martin Baturina in advanced areas. NEC, however, were content to absorb pressure and strike through the pace of Sontje Hansen and Sami Ouaissa.

Stadion Maksimir was lively, but the home crowd was silenced early when NEC took the lead. Although Dinamo responded well and equalised before half-time, the visitors’ ability to win the ball back in dangerous areas repeatedly unsettled the Croatian side. NEC’s goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen also produced important saves at key moments, ensuring the visitors never lost control of the scoreline after their second-half surge.

Key Moments

• 12th minute – NEC take the lead: Koki Ogawa opened the scoring after a turnover in Dinamo’s half. Hansen pressed the ball loose and slipped a pass into the striker, who finished low past the goalkeeper.
• 28th minute – Dinamo equalise: Baturina created the response, drifting infield and delivering a precise cross for Petković, whose header found the corner.
• 41st minute – Hansen restores NEC’s lead: Ouaissa threaded a pass between Dinamo’s centre-backs and Hansen raced through to finish calmly.
• 58th minute – Baturina makes it 2-2: Dinamo’s most creative player cut in from the left and curled a low effort beyond Cillessen’s reach.
• 73rd minute – Ouaissa scores the third: Another rapid NEC counter ended with Ouaissa arriving at the edge of the box and firing into the bottom corner.
• 88th minute – Ogawa seals the win: With Dinamo pushing forward, NEC broke once more and Ogawa calmly completed his brace to make it 4-2.

Tactical Story

NEC’s game plan was built on discipline and timing. Out of possession, they stayed compact in a 4-2-3-1 shape, narrowing the central lanes and inviting Dinamo to play around them. When the home side moved the ball wide, NEC’s midfielders shifted across quickly and looked to force misplaced passes. Once they won possession, the front four attacked with directness.

Dinamo’s full-backs pushed high to support the attack, but that left space behind for Hansen and Ouaissa to exploit. The Croatian side struggled to control NEC’s transitions, particularly after losing the ball in midfield. Petković’s hold-up play and Baturina’s invention kept Dinamo in the game for long spells, but the balance between attack and defensive security never felt right.

Cillessen’s experience was also important. The NEC goalkeeper handled crosses well and made a sharp save from a Dinamo effort shortly before the visitors’ third goal. That moment proved pivotal: instead of Dinamo taking the lead, NEC went down the other end and punished them.

Standout Players

Koki Ogawa was the matchwinner with two well-taken goals, while Sontje Hansen and Sami Ouaissa caused constant problems with their movement and pace. Jasper Cillessen delivered the kind of composed goalkeeping performance that away teams need in Europe.

For Dinamo, Martin Baturina was the Brightest attacking force, contributing a goal and an assist. Bruno Petković also led the line well and scored the equaliser, but the home side’s defensive transitions let them down.

What the Result Means

The victory gives NEC Nijmegen a valuable three points in the UEFA Europa League league phase and strengthens their push for a knockout-phase place. Away wins in the competition are especially precious under the current format, and this performance will boost belief within the squad.

For Dinamo Zagreb, the defeat is a significant setback. The Croatian side remain capable of collecting points, but their standings position now demands a response in the coming matchdays. The match report will be remembere