Dinamo hurdle Pyunik obstacle
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Article summary
NK Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 FC Pyunik (agg: 3-0)
Goals from Marijo Mandžukić, Milan Badelj and Dejan Lovren helped the Croatian champions overcome their determined visitors.
Article top media content
Article body
NK Dinamo Zagreb overcame a tricky test from Armenian champions FC Pyunik to run out 3-0 winners and progress out of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
Early scares
The visitors gave Dinamo a couple of early scares but, led by man of the match Pedro Morales, the Croatian side wrestled the initiative and goals from Marijo Mandžukić, Milan Badelj and Dejan Lovren helped them secure a tie against either FC Salzburg or Bohemian FC in the next phase.
Morales influence
Pyunik had held Dinamo to a goalless draw last week and started off in impressive fashion at the Maksimir Stadium. However, their early vim received a blow on the half-hour mark as Morales set up Mandžukić to give the hosts the lead. Morales was involved again as Dinamo doubled their lead in the 61st minute, Badelj benefiting from the Chilean's vision on this occasion, and Lovren completed the night's scoring soon after.