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Dinamo Zagreb
Champions League | Group Stage
Oct 20, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Olympiacos

0-1

FT(HT: 0-0)
Ideye (79')

Live Commentary: Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Olympiacos - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage of the Champions League clash between Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos.
2

A second-half goal from Brown Ideye has given Olympiacos back-to-back wins in the Champions League as the Greek side secured a 1-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb.

The home side hit the woodwork twice in the second half before El Arabi Hilal Soudani had a goal disallowed for offside.

Ideye's strike keeps the team second in Group F, while Zagreb sit third.

Read how all the action unfolded below.


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Good evening! Two sides that will be eyeing a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League go head to head this evening as Dinamo Zagreb host Olympiacos. Let's start with a look at the team news.

DINAMO ZAGREB STARTING XI: Eduardo, Matel, Taravel, Antolic, Machado, Santos, Pivaric, Rog, Soudani, Fernandes, Hodzic

OLYMPIACOS STARTING XI: Roberto, Botia, Elabdellaoui, Siovas, Masuaku, Milivojevic, Fortounis, Kasami, Pardo, Seba, Ideye

DINAMO ZAGREB SUBSTITUTES: Jezina, Benkovic, Sovisic, Coric, Henriquez, Pjaca

OLYMPIACOS SUBSTITUTES: Kapino, Da Costa, Salino, Dominguez, Laci, Finnbogason, Hernani

After a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Group F leaders Bayern Munich last time out, there are five changes for the home side, with Marko Rog, Goncalo Santos and Armin Hodzic, who all started on the bench last time out, all recalled for this fixture.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos, who beat Arsenal 3-2 in their last group fixture, have made just two alterations, as Arthur Masuaki and Luka Milivojevic are both included in the starting lineup.

Ahead of this match, Zagreb coach Zoran Mamic told reporters: "We expect a very tough match against top-quality opposition. We are looking forward to it, though, as we want to show our best and we want to win. The quality of opposition means we will not be able to play the same attacking football we normally do in our domestic league. We respect Olympiacos and are aware of their strengths, but football is not predictable. It was not such a surprise that Olympiacos beat Arsenal in their last game – they play in the Champions League every year and are doing a great job. We know how we want to play, which is similar to how we did when we beat Arsenal, but having an idea and being able to execute it are two very different things."

At his pre-match press conference Olympiacos coach Marco Silva told the media: "I don't agree that we are favourites. Dinamo Zagreb are a good team and I think both sides have an even chance. We are going a good job and are improving every day. We played with different tactics in our first two matches, because against class teams like Bayern you have to adjust your game. Maybe we will try something new, but we will see the situation on the pitch and react accordingly. We will not be happy with a draw, even though we still have to play Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal at home. We prepare for every match with the intention of winning it and this is no different."

The Croatian side come into this match in strong form, having lost just once in their last 48 matches in all competitions, including a 4-1 win in the league at the weekend.

The visitors have a 100% record in their first seven fixtures in the league this season, cruising to a 4-0 win over AEK at the weekend. They have been dealt a blow since then though, with summer signing Esteban Cambiasso, who is a former winner of this tournament, picking up a calf injury in training.

There has been little to separate the two sides in the Champions League so far this season, with both teams beating Arsenal and losing to Bayern Munich. Olympiacos have the better goal difference though, scoring one goal more and conceding one fewer than tonight's opposition.

This will be the fifth time that these two sides have met in Europe, with three of the previous four meetings being won by the home side. The only time the visiting side has come away with anything was back in 1998, when Olympiacos picked up a point in Zagreb on their way to their only appearance in the quarter-finals of this tournament.

The players are starting to gather in the tunnel ready to head out on a chilly night in Zagreb. It's far from a sellout at the 38,000-capacity Stadion Maksimir.

PREDICTION! Kickoff is almost upon us, so there's just time for a quick prediction while the teams pose for their pre-match photos. There's not that much to separate the two clubs on paper, and with a sparse crowd, Zagreb might not have as much of a home advantage as they would like, so I'm going for a 1-1 draw.

KICKOFF! The visitors get the action underway.

It's a bright start for the hosts as Seba gives away an early corner, which Machado curls into the box, but Roberto Gago is straight off his line to punch it away.

El Arabi Hilal Soudani gets the ball back for the hosts and tries his luck with a low drive from the edge of the box, but it's not good enough to find it's way through the packed penalty area. Pivaric tries to feed it back in from out wide for Dinamo, and does enough to win a corner. It's been all Zagreb in the opening minutes of this encounter.

Dinamo continue to look the more likely for an early goal as the home side win a free kick, which Macado delivers into the box, but Botia is the first to get to it, clearing it from danger for the visitors, who haven't had the ball outside their own half much so far.

Another free kick for the hosts allows Marko Rog to attempt to flick the ball on for Junior Fernandes, but he and Goncalo Santos both drifted offside as the midfielder played the ball on for the duo. Despite their early dominance, Roberto Gago in the Olympiacos goal hasn't had much to do so far.

CHANCE! Zagreb are given far too much room by the Olympiacos defenders as Matel picks out Soudani with a ball down the right, leaving the striker to cut inside, rounding several defenders before attempting to pick out the top left corner with a curling effort from the edge of the box, but he blasts it over.

The visitors finally get the ball down the other end, with Botia attempting to nod a high ball into the box towards Brown Ideye, but the striker can't reach it in time, leaving the ball to go straight out for a goal kick.

Zagreb soon have the ball back down the other end, but Machado is unable to make the most of a corner. Ideye tries to charge down the other end on the counter-attack, but can't get the final ball into the box, despite having Seba wide open to his right.

CHANCE! Roberto Gago has to make a save, albeit a rather easy one, as Rog picks out Fernandes with a diagonal pass to the left-hand side of the penalty area, leaving the striker attempting to bend the ball past the keeper, only to strike it straight into his arms.

Olympiacos are certainly starting to see more of the ball, but their struggling to put their opponents under any kind of pressure at the pack. Felipe Pardo threads the ball through to Luka Milivojevic around 20 yards out, but the midfielder's finish is weak and wide.

Dinamo are quickly back on the attack, with Fernandes whipping in a vicious cross from the left, but Roberto Gago just beats Hodzic to it. The keeper's actions allow the visitors to break back towards the Zagreb goal, but Pardo is unable to test Eduardo, slicing his finish well high.

CHANCE! There's another shot for Olympiacos, but it would have been a controversial one had it gone in. Pajtim Kasami battles with Rog on the edge of the Olympiacos box, and the latter goes down following an apparent elbow from Kasami. Rog stays down as the visitors break down the other end, with Kasami eventually taking on the shot, but it goes high again. The home fans certainly wouldn't have been happy if that had gone in, although it did appear the clash was accidental, and Rog is now back on his feet.

Soudani catches Dimitrios Siovas late, giving away a free kick in a dangerous position. It's curled in by Pardo, with Kasami attempting to flick it in at the near post, but Hodzic is back to help out in defence, and is able to turn it around the upright for a corner.

Gago isn't happy with the Olympiacos defenders as he once again has to come off his line to clear a ball into the box, with Soudani giving chase for the hosts. Zagreb haven't made the most of their possession in the opening half an hour, but Olympiacos haven't asked too many questions of them yet either, and the pace has started to slow a little. This match is crying out for a goal to liven it up.

The visitors are enjoying their best spell of possession in the match so far as Pardo battles with Hodzic, winning a free kick when the Zagreb striker handles the ball. The hosts have plenty of men behind the ball though, preventing the Greek side from getting the ball in the box.

BOOKING! Jeremy Taravel picks up the first booking of the night as he catches Konstantinos Fortounis as the midfielder tries to break through the middle on the counter.

It looks like the visitors are trying to finish the first half on the front foot as Pardo cuts the ball inside to Fortounis, but Pivaric is there to block for the home side. The Greek side are still looking for their first shot on target.

Zagreb have time for one more attack before the break as Hodzic tries to send in a low cross, which is put out for a throw near the corner flag. Soudani gets a chance when it's crossed back in, but Gago grabs it before he can get his header away.

HALF TIME: Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Olympiacos

The sides head into half time following a rather forgettable opening 45 minutes. Zagreb have enjoyed more of the possession, particularly early on, but Olympiacos started to find their feet as the opening 45 minutes progressed. It's all to play for in the second half.

The Croatian side had 58% of the possession in the opening 45 minutes, but created just four shots, while the visitors had seven. Zagreb had two efforts on target though, while Olympiacos have had just one.

UPDATE: The other game in Group F is also goalless, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich level at the Emirates. You can find live coverage of that match, and all the other fixtures taking place in the Champions League this evening, here.

Here's a shot of Felipe Pardo and Jeremy Taravel doing battle in the opening 45 minutes. Pardo has probably been the best player for Olympiacos so far, providing a number of decent crosses while also taking on a couple of shots himself. Down the other end, Armin Hodzic and El Arabi Hilal Soudani have both looked sharp, but have been frustrated by Roberto Gago.
Olympiakos' Colombian forward Felipe Pardo vies with Dinamo Zagreb's French defender Jeremy Taravel (R) during the UEFA Champions League football match between Dinamo Zabreb and Olympiakos at the Stadion Maksimir stadium in Zagreb on October 20, 2015.© Getty Images

The players are starting to make their way back out ready for the start of the second half at Stadiom Maksimir.

RESTART! The second half is underway in Zagreb.

Zagreb are looking to get forward in the opening stages of the second half, with Rog making a run down the left flank before being shoved down by Elabdeelaoui, giving the hosts a free kick in a strong position. Machado curls it in towards Hodzic, who is beaten to the ball by Gago, although the keeper appears to have injured himself leaping in the air.

Olympiacos try to put the home side under pressure for the first time since the restart, with Athur Masuaku getting forward, but the defender tangles with Santos, conceding the free kick. The Greek side quickly come again though, but Pardo's first touch is lacking, leaving the ball going behind for a goal kikc.

OFF THE POST! Easily the best chance of the match so far falls to the hosts as Domagoj Antolic tries to stab the ball home from close range following a brilliant ball forward from Soudani. Zagreb had four players in the box, compared to just two for the visitors, but the midfielder's finish was a fraction wide, leaving the woodwork to keep it out.

CHANCE! Just moments after Dinamo hit the woodwork, Olympiacos have their best chance of the night so far down the other end. Pardo tees the ball up for Ideye, who has only the keeper to beat at the post from a couple of yards out, but the striker someone manages to miss the target. That's one of those that's easier to score than miss!

Olympiacos pile forward again, with Pardo continuing to create opening, crossing the ball in for Seba, but a diving header from Matel does just enough to put it out for a corner. This match has been a bit of a slow burner so far, but it's starting to come to life.

Olympiacos are definitely looking the more likely to find the opening goal at the moment as they force a corner, resulting in Ideye having a shot blocked. Fortounis is waiting on the edge of the box and tries to drive it back in on the rebound, but his finish is wide.

Zagreb break down the other end, trying to catch the Greek team out with a quick counter-attack, but Fernandes is a little too quick drifting offside as Rog plays a high ball forward.

SUB! The host make the first change of the match as Armin Hodzic makes way for Marko Pjaca.

Olympiacos win another corner, which Fortounis comes forward to take, but it's a shockingly poor delivery, as he scuffs the ball straight out for a goal kick well before it reaches the near post. The pitch is really cutting up, which certainly won't have helped the delivery, but that was just awful.

Fortounis is having a bit of a nightmare at the moment as tries to make amends for his sloppy corner, intercepting a pass from the keeper to Fernandes. He cuts inside to try to get a shot away, but his low finish lacks power, leaving Eduardo with an easy save.

After a dominant spell by Olympiacos, the home side finally get the ball back down the other end, with Fernandez playing the ball in for Taravel, but his long-range finish doesn't trouble the keeper.

SUB! The visitors make their first change of the night as Fortounis, who has been struggling a bit, makes way for Alejandro Dominguez.

SUB! Zagreb bring on a second substitute has Angelo Henriquez takes the place of Junior Fernandes.

Dominguez's first task for Olympiacos is to take a corner, but the substitute, who has been out with a calf injury, curls the ball straight into the keeper's arms.

UPDATE: There's been a goal in the other match in Group F, with Arsenal taking a 1-0 lead over Bayern Munich.

BOOKING! The referee hands out just his second yellow card of the night, as Omar Elabdellaoui is booked for a challenge on Pjaca.

OFF THE POST! For the second time in this half, Zagreb are denied by the woodwork, as Rog tries to turn the ball in from a free kick, only to see Botia deflect his effort onto the base of the post.

DISALLOWED GOAL! The ball is finally in the back of the net, as Soudani finds himself clear through to stab it in from a Machado corner, but he was offside, so it won't count.

GOAL! Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Olympiacos (Brown Ideye)

What an unbelievable finish from Brown Ideye! He's missed a few sitters this evening, but squeezes the ball in from the tightest of angles, beating Eduardo, who was waiting at the near post, after Siovas picked the striker out with a long ball down the left flank just moments after Zagreb had two big chances down the other end.

BOOKING! El Arabi Hilal Soudani picks up a yellow card after going down rather easily under pressure from Botia. The striker wants a penalty, but the referee isn't convinced, booking the Zagreb man for a dive.

BOOKING! Dimitrios Siovas is the latest name in the book as it starts to get a little more physical in Zagreb, as he pulls back Marko Rog, who has been something of a marked man today. It also gives the hosts a free kick in a dangerous position.

CHANCE! Paulo Machado takes the resulting free kick, driving the ball through the wall looking for the bottom left corner, but his effort is just wide.

SUB! Olympiacos make another change, and it's a defensive one as Leandro Salino takes the place of Pardo.

CHANCE! Olympiacos want a second as Ideye makes another weaving run into the box from the left before pulling it back to Dominguez. The substitute hurries his shot though, leaving the keeper with an easy save.

SUB! The hosts make their final change as Ante Coric takes the place of Marko Rog.

Olympiacos are trying to keep possession in the midfield as they try to hold on for back to back wins in the group stage of the competition. Zagreb get the ball back though, with Matel charging down the right.

CHANCE! Matel eventually whips the ball in from near the corner flag, picking out Antolic, but the captain's finish is just wide of the left upright.

SUB! Olympiacos run down a few more seconds as Seba makes way for Manuel da Costa.

Brown Ideye is floored by a late challenge from Matel, giving the visitors a free kick, but they can't make the most of it as Dominguez is standing in an offside position. Zagreb try to get back down the other end as they press for a last gasp equaliser, but with six defenders on the pitch, Olympiacos are doing just enough.

Botia gifts the home side one last change as he clatters into Antolic around 25 yards out, but Machado's effort is deflected behind for a corner, which Gago punches clear.

PENALTY APPEAL! As the visitors try to scramble the ball clear, the ball strikes Milivojevic on the hand. Zagreb want a penalty, but the referee had already blown the full-time whistle, and despite furious appeals from the home players, he's not giving it.

FULL TIME: Dinamo Zagreb 0-1 Olympiacos

So Brown Ideye's late goal secures the win for Olympiacos, despite the home side hitting the woodwork twice in the second half.

The result keeps Olympiacos second in Group F, level on points with Bayern Munich, who were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal. Zagreb remain third, as they have a better head to head record against the Gunners.

Well, that's all from this match, but you can find details of all the results from tonight's Champions League games here. Don't forget to join us again tomorrow, when there will be eight more fixtures from Europe's top club competition. Until then, thanks for joining me tonight. Goodbye.

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Jozo Simunovic of FC Dinamo Zagreb in action during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between FC Dinamo Zagreb and FC Molde at Maksimir stadium in Zagreb, Croatia on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Im
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