Half-Time Report: Group stage beckons for Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb secured a 2-1 half-time lead over Skenderbeu Korce tonight to earn a 4-2 advantage overall and close in on a Champions League group stage place.

Dinamo kicked off what proved a fast and furious opening quarter of the clash from both sides by drawing first blood after just nine minutes.

Josip Pivaric, whose added-time winner last week handed tonight's hosts a 2-1 first-leg lead, turned provider by floating a cross into the box and El Arbi Hillel Soudani's thumping header left Orges Shehi with no chance.

The lead lasted less than a minute, however, as Esquerdinha threw the Albanian minnows a lifeline by blasting home an equaliser from long range.

Shortly afterwards, the hosts took a big step toward the Champions League proper when Armin Hodzic curled home from the edge of the area to restore their lead on the night and fatten their overall advantage.

Unperturbed, Skenderbeu continued on in the same vein and Sabien Lilaj almost levelled up on the night, but his long-range shot whistled just wide of the post before the break.