FC Dinamo City 3–0 NK Aluminij
UEFA Europa Conference League – 31 July 2026

FC Dinamo City delivered a dominant performance to take a commanding 3–0 lead in their UEFA Europa Conference League qualifier against Slovenian side NK Aluminij. The Albanian hosts controlled proceedings from start to finish at the Elbasan Arena, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb in the return leg.

Match Overview

Dinamo City, the reigning Albanian champions, started the match with intense pressing and quick passing combinations. Their superiority was evident from the first whistle, and they opened the scoring in the 12th minute. A well-worked move down the left ended with winger Erion Rexhepi crossing for striker Jaheem Toppin, who headed home from close range. The goal settled any early nerves and set the tone for the rest of the half.

Aluminij, who had travelled with a defensive game plan, struggled to contain Dinamo City’s pace and movement. The hosts doubled their lead in the 34th minute when midfielder Kristian Muja unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards that flew into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance. The half-time score of 2–0 was a fair reflection of Dinamo’s dominance.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal (1–0): Toppin’s header from a pinpoint cross.
• 34' – Goal (2–0): Muja’s stunning long-range strike.
• 57' – Goal (3–0): Substitute forward Redon Xhixha tapped in after a goalmouth scramble from a corner.
• 73' – Red card: Aluminij defender Matej Kralj was sent off for a second yellow card, effectively ending any slim hope of a comeback.

Tactical Story

Dinamo City employed a fluid 4-3-3 formation, with full-backs bombing forward and wingers cutting inside. Their high press forced Aluminij into several errors in build-up play. The Slovenian side, set up in a 4-4-1-1, were pinned back for long periods and failed to create any clear-cut chances. The sending-off further disrupted their shape, and Dinamo City comfortably saw out the game, even hitting the woodwork twice in the final minutes.

Standout Players

• Jaheem Toppin (Dinamo City): The striker’s physical presence and work rate were key; he scored one and assisted another.
• Kristian Muja (Dinamo City): The midfielder dominated the centre of the park and scored a spectacular goal.
• Redon Xhixha (Dinamo City): The substitute made an immediate impact with a poacher’s goal.

Season and Tie Impact

FC Dinamo City now have one foot in the next qualifying round, with a three-goal lead and a clean sheet heading to Slovenia. NK Aluminij face a near-impossible task in the second leg, needing to win by at least four goals to progress without extra time. The return match will be played on 7 August 2026. This result also boosts Dinamo City’s confidence as they begin their European campaign, aiming to emulate last season’s run to the group stage.