NEC Nijmegen delivered one of the standout away performances of the UEFA Europa League league phase, defeating Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 at Stadion Maksimir on 23 October 2026. The Dutch side combined sharp counter-attacking with ruthless finishing, twice restoring their lead before pulling clear in the final quarter of the match. For Dinamo, a promising attacking display was undone by defensive gaps and an inability to control NEC’s transitions.

Match overview

Dinamo Zagreb started with intent, pushing bodies forward and trying to pin NEC deep in their own half. The Croatian champions looked comfortable in possession early on, but NEC’s compact mid-block and quick vertical passes made them dangerous whenever they won the ball back. The visitors took the lead inside the opening quarter-hour and, despite Dinamo’s equaliser, always looked capable of scoring again. The game turned decisively after the hour mark, when NEC’s pressing forced mistakes and their forwards exploited the space behind Dinamo’s advanced full-backs.

Key moments

• 12th minute – NEC take the lead: A turnover in midfield released Sontje Hansen down the right. He cut inside and curled a low left-footed strike beyond the Dinamo goalkeeper to silence the home crowd.
• 27th minute – Dinamo equalise: Bruno Petković held up a cross from the left, turned his marker and finished from close range after NEC failed to clear a corner properly.
• 41st minute – NEC restore the advantage: Koki Ogawa timed his run perfectly to meet a whipped delivery from the left and glanced a header into the far corner.
• 58th minute – Dinamo level again: Martin Baturina drove through the middle and played a one-two on the edge of the box before slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.
• 74th minute – NEC score the decisive third: Dirk Proper arrived late in the penalty area to convert a cut-back after a swift counter down the right.
• 89th minute – NEC seal it: Ogawa doubled his personal tally, breaking clear on the counter and finishing calmly one-on-one to complete the 4-2 scoreline.

Tactical story

NEC’s game plan was built around absorbing pressure and attacking the spaces Dinamo left behind. Their midfield trio stayed compact, denying central penetration, and repeatedly looked for early passes into the channels. Dinamo dominated the ball but were often stretched when possession broke down, with their full-backs caught high and their centre-backs forced to defend large areas. NEC’s willingness to press at the right moments created the turnovers that led to their third and fourth goals. Dinamo’s equalisers showed their attacking quality, but the hosts lacked the control needed to protect those moments.

Standout players

Koki Ogawa was the headline performer with two well-taken goals, while Sontje Hansen gave Dinamo constant problems with his direct running. Dirk Proper dictated the tempo in midfield and capped his display with the crucial third goal. For Dinamo, Martin Baturina was the bright spark, creating chances and scoring a fine equaliser, but his effort was not enough to rescue a point.

What it means

The result strengthens NEC Nijmegen’s position in the UEFA Europa League league phase and underlines their threat on the road. For Dinamo Zagreb, the defeat leaves them with work to do in the standings and raises questions about their defensive balance in European competition. The Croatian side showed they can score against strong opposition, but conceding four at home will be a major concern as they prepare for their next league-phase fixture.