CL Qualifiers: Two Former Bundesliga Players Shine for Zagreb

Two former Bundesliga players impress in Croatia during the first leg of the playoffs. Additionally, former Salzburg captain Bidstrup makes his debut for Lyon.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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The UEFA Champions League playoffs have kicked off with interesting matches.

Dinamo Zagreb drew 2-2 against Norway's Viking Stavanger, despite holding a 2-0 lead.

The Croatians delivered a quick one-two punch early on. A combination involving two former Bundesliga players gave them the lead.

Former Rapid striker Dion Beljo scored with his chest from close range after an assist from Matteo Perez Vinlöf, making it 1-0 (6'). The Swede played for Wiener Austria two years ago.

Zagreb Squanders 2-0 Lead Before Halftime

Just four minutes later, Mateo Lisica converted a Beljo cross to extend the lead to 2-0. However, the Norwegians struck back with two good chances before halftime, leveling the score at 2-2 at the break.

Mislav Orsic came very close to restoring the Croatian record champion's lead with a shot off the post (72'). However, the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

Fenerbahce Only Manages a Draw Against Olympique Lyon

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce Istanbul missed out on an anticipated home victory, drawing 1-1 against Olympique Lyon.

The French side stunned the Turkish vice-champions shortly before halftime. Former Leipzig player Lois Openda scored with a slightly deflected header to put Lyon up 1-0 (40').

However, Fenerbahce celebrated a quick equalizer after the break. Mason Greenwood netted a dream goal into the left corner to make it 1-1 (47'). But they couldn't find another goal.

Former Salzburg Captain Bidstrup Makes His Debut

Former Salzburg striker Dorgeles Nene entered the field in the final phase (73'). Additionally, Romelu Lukaku came on as a substitute for his first appearance for the Turks.

On the French side, former Salzburg captain Mads Bidstrup made his debut. Austrian legionnaire Felix Bacher, however, still awaits his first appearance for Lyon. Former Altach professional Mohamed Ouedraogo also enjoyed a few minutes of play.

Meanwhile, Levski Sofia drew 0-0 against AEK Athens in Bulgaria. The former club of Cican Stankovic and Robert Ljubicic must now hope for a home victory.

From a domestic perspective, things will get interesting tomorrow. LASK aims to impress in their away match against Celtic Glasgow (from 9:00 PM in the LIVE ticker <<<).