Dutch side NEC Nijmegen came from behind to defeat Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb 4-2 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, with Bryan Linssen scoring twice at Stadion Maksimir.
Clement Bischoff opened the scoring for the visitors in the 25th minute, finishing a move initiated by Noé Lebreton to give NEC an early advantage.
Dinamo responded through Dion Drena Beljo, who scored twice in quick succession to put the hosts ahead.
The striker headed home Matteo Pérez Vinlöf’s cross in the 33rd minute before finding the net again four minutes later to make it 2-1.
However, NEC restored parity just before half-time when Linssen headed home Bischoff’s cross in the 45th minute, ensuring both sides went into the break level at 2-2.
Linssen completed his brace nine minutes after the restart, finishing a counter-attacking move created by Darko Nejašmić to put NEC back in front.
The visitors secured the victory in the 80th minute when Tjaronn Chery struck with a left-footed finish, extending their lead to 4-2 and leaving Dinamo with little time to mount a comeback.
Despite enjoying 59 per cent possession and registering 16 shots, compared with NEC’s 15, Dinamo struggled to convert their opportunities.
The hosts recorded 10 shots on target but were unable to overcome NEC goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz, who made seven saves.
NEC, meanwhile, proved more clinical in front of goal, scoring four times from five shots on target.
Their defensive resilience also helped them withstand sustained pressure from the Croatian side.
Beljo was Dinamo’s standout performer, with his two goals earning him an impressive individual display despite the defeat.
Linssen, however, emerged as the match’s highest-rated player, while Bischoff also made a significant contribution with a goal and an assist.
The victory highlighted NEC’s effectiveness on the counter-attack, as they capitalised on key opportunities to secure an impressive away result in the Europa League.
