Dinamo opened the Europa League season in furious fashion. Five goals in the opponent's net, a hat-trick signed by El Arabi Hilal Soudani and overwhelming optimism marked this brilliant European start. However, a defeat in the penultimate round in Romania and two poor performances against Salzburg lowered the barrier to the knockout phase of the competition. The Blues' opponents at the start were Romanian side Astra Giurgiu, whom Dinamo outclassed 5-1.

On this occasion, Maksimir defender Josip Pivarić recorded his milestone 100th official appearance in a Dinamo shirt.

The Blues played a magnificent match, dominated and already led 3-0 by halftime, with Soudani 'packing' all three goals.

The first goal came in the 17th minute, Ivo Pinto crossed from the right, and Soudani headed home for 1-0. Just seven minutes later the Blues increased their lead, Domagoj Antolić crossed from the corner, and the Maksimir striker scored his second goal. He completed his hat-trick in first-half stoppage time. Marcelo Brozović skillfully passed over the opponent's defense, Wilson Eduardo received the ball, cut inside to the center, and Soudani from close range, this time with his foot, signed Dinamo's third goal.

Antolić set up Angelo Henríquez in the 70th minute, who effectively launched the ball into the corner from the edge of the penalty area. Henríquez had entered the game just three minutes earlier... The visitors still managed to reduce the deficit in the 82nd minute, captain Constantin Budescu crossed into the center where Aurelian Chițu ran in and hit the near corner.

But just as the Blues scored a goal in first-half stoppage time, they also found the net in second-half added time. The then-promising 17-year-old Ante Ćorić received the ball in the penalty area, shook off his marker and skillfully sent the ball into the opposite corner of the net.