The third-round match of the main stage of the Conference League between Dynamo and Zrinjski Mostar ended in an embarrassing defeat for the Bosnians with a score of 0:6.
Photo: fcdynamo.comBosnian outlets such as Klix.ba, Nezavisne Novine, Avaz.ba, and Sport.ba express deep disappointment, criticizing the coach’s staffing decisions, yet acknowledging Dynamo’s strength and the potential of Oleksandr Shovkovskyi’s team to make it to the Conference League playoff. The overall mood can be described as a mix of anger and frustration, emphasizing that with a game like this, it’s hard to expect advancement to the next round of the tournament.
Journalists note that Dynamo took control from the first minutes. Klix.ba writes: «The Ukrainians opened the score in the 21st minute with a strike by Popov after a pass from Buyalskyi. At that moment, it seemed like just one goal, which appeared more accidental. Everyone remembers that Zrinjski managed to hold up in the last round in Germany, conceding only one goal from Mainz. It seemed like today Zrinjski could also hold out in defense. Unfortunately, something inexplicable happened in the second half.» Nezavisne Novine adds: «The Bosnians held the ball 34% of the time but essentially did not create any dangerous moments in this match, while Dynamo executed 6 out of 7 shots on target.» Avaz.ba highlights: «If you look at the final score, you might assume that Zrinjski played with ten men, at the very least. Unfortunately, that was not the case. It was simply their worst match in recent years.» Sport1.ba sums up: «We expected a fight, but Dynamo was too strong — their attack left no chances for our team.»
The Bosnian press expresses shock at the defeat, especially given the pre-match expectations. Klix.ba writes: «Before the match, fans believed in a victory, but 0:6 is a shock. The team looked doomed, as if they had given up in advance.» Nezavisne Novine criticizes staffing decisions: «The coach left key players like Bilbija on the bench, and this decision seemed dumb and dangerous. Nobody understood the coaching staff’s idea, and it cost us the match, where a draw could have potentially been played.» Avaz.ba adds: «Zrinjski couldn’t create threats, while Dynamo scored easily. This failure casts doubt on our prospects in the group stage.» Sport1.ba notes: «Though the defeat doesn’t mean anything yet and leaves chances for eventual success, the team’s character in the second half raised many questions. You simply don’t have the right to play so poorly at the European level.»
Bosnian journalists acknowledge the Ukrainians' advantage. Klix.ba writes: «After defeats in previous matches, Dynamo looked like a machine — their attack was unstoppable.» Nezavisne Novine adds: «Shakhtar is considered the most stable and wealthiest club in Ukraine, but Dynamo under Shovkovskyi shows that there are two strong clubs in Ukraine. The Kyiv club can aim to advance to the next round. Unfortunately, at the expense of Zrinjski, which helped the Ukrainians improve their goal difference.» Avaz.ba praises the coaching staff: «Shovkovskyi smartly managed the game, and his team, with high-level players and a powerful attack, can compete for high places in the Conference League. 6:0 is a testament to their high class.» Sport1.ba concludes: «The Ukrainians were much stronger in this match, but there are still three rounds ahead. Fans will forgive Zrinjski for this defeat if the club can rally and secure victories in the next matches.»
