Dynamo Zagreb vs. Genk: Europa League Showdown Ahead

Dynamo Zagreb is set to take on Genk in the initial leg of their Europa League knockout match on Thursday night. This exciting first meeting will occur in the Croatian capital, where Genk must remain cautious against a Dynamo team that currently leads the Croatian HNL. Under the guidance of Nicky Hayen, Genk will need to devise a strategy to contain the home team’s leading goal scorer, Dion Beljo.

Dion Beljo: A Standout Performance

Dion Beljo has emerged as one of the standout players in European football this season. The 23-year-old forward returned to Croatian football after stints in Germany and Austria and has made a significant impact since his return. Across 30 matches this season, he has netted 17 goals—12 in the HNL and an impressive four in just seven Europa League appearances. His resurgence has been remarkable, especially considering his difficulties in making an impression in the Bundesliga.

Beljo’s Journey Through German Football

Beljo initially earned a transfer to Augsburg during the 2022/2023 season after an impressive tenure at Osijek, where he scored nine goals in 19 games. This success followed a stellar campaign in 2021/2022 on loan at NK Istra, where he tallied 20 goals in 37 appearances. However, the transition to German football proved challenging. In his first six months at Augsburg, he played 18 matches and found the net only three times. Expectations were high for the following season after a summer of adaptation, yet he managed only two goals in 27 matches.

A Fresh Start in Austria

By 2024, it was clear that Beljo’s time in the Bundesliga was coming to an end. Augsburg decided to loan him to Rapid Wien in Austria, where he quickly made a positive impression. The move suited him well, as he scored 19 goals in 49 appearances for the Viennese club. His performances caught the attention of Dynamo Zagreb, who decided to invest €4 million to bring him back to Croatian football, a decision that has proven beneficial for both Beljo and the club.

Anticipating the Match Against Genk

Dynamo Zagreb, along with Beljo, now prepares to clash with a resurgent Genk side that has recently started to turn their season around under Hayen. While it will be a challenging match for the Belgians, fans can expect an entertaining encounter.