Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Thursday, January 22, 2026, 10:50 p.m. / Updated Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:58 p.m.
Dealing FCSB – Dinamo Zagrebthe game counting for round #7 of the Europa League single group, started as it couldn't have been worse for the team led by Elias Charalamabous and Mihai Pintilii from the bench: in the first 11 minutes, the Croatians struck twice, through Monsef Bakrar (7th minute) and Dion Beljo (11th minute).
In both Croatian goals, FCSB defended poorly. Joyskim Dawa could be blamed for the first goal, while for the second the whole defense was undone, with an inexplicable decision from Ngezana.
FCSB's defense FCSB decimated in 11 minutes in Zagreb: major defensive errors
After the duel had started promisingly for FCSB, with an action by Baba Alhassan sending a ball over the goal, Dinamo Zagreb quickly struck.
Monsef Bakrar opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a Galesic cross. The Dinamo Zagreb right-back flicked the ball perfectly from his flank and Bakrar scored between Dawa and Ngezana.
Bakrar set off from the 16-yard line and slotted behind Dawa. The stopper, who had just returned to the pitch, positioned himself awkwardly and let Bakrar off the mark. Siyabonga Ngezana was marking Bejlo and was further from the goal scorer than his colleague in the center of defence.
Dawa mispositions and gets Bakrar off the mark
After only four minutes in a phase that did not herald much danger, Siyabonga Ngezana came out at risk and decisively attacked Zajc, the hosts' midfielder, a long way from the goal, although the Slovenian had zonal marking made by Lixandru and Baba Alhassan. Zajc found Hoxha in the lane with a superb pass.
Ngezana's accidental attack
A huge space was created behind Ngezana, given that Dawa did not double but stayed close to Dinamo Zagreb's Bejlo, and Graovac had already lost Hoxha. Dawa started to collect, Graovac went down with Hoxha, and the winger from Dinamo Zagreb crossed to Bejlo, left free in the center of the square by Dawa who went to close the lane and Risto Radunovic who appeared late on the dubbing.
The space left by the two stoppers from FCSB in defense
The starting teams at Dinamo Zagreb – FCSB
Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1): Filipovic – Galesic, Dominguez, McKenna, Goda – Misic, Zajc – Bakrar, Ljubicic, Hoxha – Beljo
reserves: Nevistic, Kulenovic, Mikic, Mudrazija, Perez Vinlof, Soldo, Stojkovic, Theophile-Catherine, Topic, C. Varela, Vidovic, Villar
Coach: Mario Kovacevic
FCSB (4-2-3-1): Târnovanu – Graovac, Dawa, Ngezana, Radunovic – Lixandru, Alhassan – Miculescu, Olaru, Cisotti – Bîrligea
Reserves: Zima, Udrea – Crețu, Toma, Oct. Popescu, Thiam, Pantea, Politic, Alibec
Coach: Elias Charalambous
