Malmö FF suffered heartbreak at Eleda Stadion as Dinamo Zagreb snatched a last-gasp equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw in their UEFA Europa League group stage clash. The Swedish side appeared set to secure a rare victory, but a dramatic finish denied them crucial points and preserved Dinamo’s unbeaten start to the campaign.
Dinamo Dominates Early Chances
Malmö started brightly, with Gabriel Busanello’s early effort hinting at a potential breakthrough. However, it was Dinamo Zagreb who controlled the opening 30 minutes. Their most threatening moment came in the 17th minute when Arbër Hoxha’s precise cross found Dion Beljo, whose header was expertly saved by Melker Ellborg. Dinamo’s sustained pressure forced Malmö’s defense to sit deep, struggling to cope with the visitors’ attacking intensity.
Malmö Finds the Breakthrough
As the first half progressed, Malmö began to assert themselves but lacked the finishing touch to test Ivan Nevistić in Dinamo’s goal. Their patience nearly paid off in the dying moments before halftime when Miha Zajc’s corner met Sergi Domínguez’s powerful header, only for Ellborg to tip it onto the crossbar. Despite the missed chance, Malmö stunned Dinamo in stoppage time of the first half. Oscar Lewicki converted Otto Rosengren’s corner with a deflected header, leaving Nevistić helpless and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Second Half Tension and Missed Opportunities
Malmö nearly doubled their lead immediately after the break when Hugo Bolin drove into the box and forced a sharp save from Nevistić. Dinamo responded with attacking intent, though Beljo’s header sailed over the bar. Malmö continued to threaten on the counter, particularly through Kenan Busuladžić, who missed a golden opportunity. Despite Dinamo dominating possession in their own half, Malmö’s disciplined defensive structure kept the game level.
Late Drama Seals Dinamo’s Draw
In the final minutes, chances went begging at both ends. Josip Mišić wasted a promising opportunity, while a swift Dinamo counter ended with Mounsef Bakrar firing straight at Ellborg. However, in stoppage time, Bakrar was again involved, calmly chipping the ball over Ellborg to force a dramatic equaliser. Busanello’s desperate attempt to prevent the goal proved futile, leaving Malmö to rue a missed chance at a historic win.
Implications for Both Sides
The draw leaves Malmö with just one home victory in six UEFA Europa League fixtures, extending their struggles in the competition. Dinamo, meanwhile, maintain their near-perfect away record across all competitions this season, even as they relinquish first place in the group standings.
