The difference between Rijeka and Dinamo is the quality of the players.

Dinamo Zagreb opened its new season in the Croatian Football League with a 2-0 victory over Slaven Belupo. In the 19th minute, the Bad Blue Boys fans unveiled a tribute to Matija Vranić, a young supporter of Dinamo and former player of Duga Resa who died in a traffic accident last May at the age of 20. The gesture was part of the team's efforts to honor local supporters and mark the beginning of their campaign. The match took place under clear skies at Maksimir Stadium, where Dinamo welcomed Slaven Belupo in front of a modest crowd. The game saw Dinamo take control early, with the visitors struggling to find rhythm against the home side’s organized defense. The first goal came in the 37th minute after a well-coordinated move involving several defenders, showcasing the team’s improved cohesion. A second goal followed shortly after, sealing the win and ensuring a clean sheet for the home team. Stjepan Radeljić, a defender who joined Dinamo this summer from Hajduk Split, made his debut in the starting lineup. The 28-year-old had previously played for Rijeka, where he earned over 100 caps, before moving to Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol. His transition to Dinamo has been smooth so far, with the club welcoming him into the squad ahead of the European competition qualifiers. Radeljić described his first match as a positive experience, noting the strong teamwork and the importance of maintaining defensive stability. Radeljić, who stands at 201 cm tall, brought both physical presence and technical skills to the backline. He spoke highly of his time at Rijeka, emphasizing the camaraderie with teammates such as Nikola Galešić, whom he partnered with during the match. Their previous collaboration helped ease his integration into the new team environment. Despite his imposing stature, Radeljić emphasized the need to adapt to the tactical demands of Dinamo, which he believes is more structured compared to other clubs he has played for. The match also highlighted the growing strength of Dinamo’s defense, which has been reinforced with the addition of players like Radeljić and others such as Dominguez and McKenna. With the club already securing a spot in the Champions League group stage, the focus will shift toward preparing for upcoming matches, including a crucial tie against Kaunas Žalgiris in the UEFA Champions League play-off round. Dinamo coach Zoran Mamić expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the challenges ahead, particularly against teams led by former coaches like Željko Sopić, who once managed Radeljić at Rijeka. The coach emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in both domestic and European competitions, while also acknowledging the value of fan support, especially in honoring figures like Matija Vranić. The victory over Slaven Belupo sets a solid foundation for Dinamo’s campaign, with the team aiming to build momentum as they prepare for tougher encounters in the coming weeks. Fans remain hopeful that the blend of experienced players and emerging talents can propel the club to success in both the league and continental competitions.