It was one of the most painful defeats in the history of the Maksimir club. In the 1st round of the Champions League, Dinamo, still playing under the name Croatia at the time, faced Romanian champions Steaua. Back then, the 1st round in the competition structure was actually the penultimate preliminary round for entry into one of two quarter-final groups of the Champions League. The Blues won the first match in Bucharest 2-1, missing numerous chances for an even more convincing victory... However, Steaua also created opportunities in that open and entertaining encounter, showing they were a very good team.

The Blues' victory in that first away match sparked optimism, with many fans already thinking ahead to the next round... But the result was still 'active', especially since the return leg wasn't played in Zagreb. Due to security reasons following the war events in Croatia, the Blues hosted the match in Ljubljana.

The scenario ultimately offered multiple twists, unexpected events, and a happy ending for – the Romanians. Steaua eventually won 3-2 and progressed thanks to scoring more away goals.

Goran Vlaović's concussion, the public criticism with which coach Miroslav 'Ćiro' Blažević called out his own defender, the fierce reaction of the Blues' fans towards the coach and players after the match... These were all details that marked the encounter in Ljubljana.

It started promisingly for the Blues' supporters. Already in the 7th minute, Joško Jeličić crossed from the right, Vlaović soared and headed the ball into the goal. At that moment, counting the first match as well, the Zagreb team had a two-goal advantage. However, during the goal celebration, throwing himself chest-first onto the grass, Vlaović hit his chin on the ground, suffering a mild concussion...

In the middle of the first half, Igor Cvitanović found Jeličić, who cut inside, and Vlaović in another attempt sent the ball with his head against the post. Only nuances separated the Zagreb team from an even more convincing advantage and probable progression to the next round. But the wheel of fortune turned the other way.

The Romanians equalized at the end of the first half. In the midst of a series of Blues attacks, the visitors got hold of the ball and launched a counter-attack. Željko Pakasin was leading the attack in the opponent's half, and just as he wanted to dribble past the defender, the referee got in his way. Moreover, in the confusion, the referee accidentally pushed the ball into Romanian possession. Adrian Ilie picked it up, pulled off the counter-attack, sent it forward where Basarab Nica Panduru was positioned and slotted it into the goal for 1-1 in the 41st minute.

Less than four minutes had passed in the second half when Steaua took the lead, erasing Croatia's advantage from the first match. Panduru sent a through ball into the penalty area where Ion Vladoiu ran in from the right, drove towards goal, with the ball deflecting off Slavko Ištvanić before ending up in the net.

Already in the 60th minute, the Romanians increased their lead. Aurel Panait went down the right side, crossed to the edge of the six-yard box, Vladoiu skillfully controlled the ball with his right foot and in the next movement, turning, also with his right foot launched it into the goal.

Croatia responded 10 minutes later when Jeličić crossed from a free kick at a sharp angle from the left side, not far from the corner. Željko Adžić ran in and, falling at the near post, slotted it into the net with his foot.

Coach Blažević later lashed out at his players, highlighting that the main culprit was Pakasin for losing the ball before the visitors' first goal. Dinamo's fans sent off the entire team with fierce insults, being particularly harsh towards coach Blažević. They only spared Jeličić and Ištvanić.