Dinamo Zagreb maintained their unbeaten run in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) League Phase with a dramatic late equaliser that snatched a 1-1 draw against Malmö FF at Eleda Stadion, denying the Swedish side a long-awaited first win in the competition.
Malmö looked eager to end their poor UEL form, one win in 18 games and nearly struck early when Gabriel Busanello’s tame shot tested Ivan Nevistić.
However, that early spark only seemed to awaken Dinamo, who soon took control of proceedings.
Arbër Hoxha’s pinpoint cross found Dion Beljo in the box, but Melker Ellborg was equal to the striker’s header as Malmö’s defence came under heavy pressure.
Despite Dinamo’s dominance, the hosts gradually grew into the contest but lacked a cutting edge up front.
The visitors nearly punished them just before the break when Sergi Domínguez’s thumping header from a Miha Zajc corner was acrobatically tipped onto the bar by Ellborg.
Then, in a twist against the run of play, Malmö stole the lead with the last kick of the half. Otto Rosengren’s corner was met by Oscar Lewicki, whose deflected header looped past Nevistić to send the home crowd into celebration.
Buoyed by their unexpected advantage, Malmö almost doubled the lead immediately after the restart when Hugo Bolin danced through the defence and forced a sharp stop from Nevistić.
Dinamo pressed hard for an equaliser, but Malmö looked dangerous on the break, with Kenan Busuladžić spurning a golden opportunity by dragging his shot wide.
As the match wore on, Dinamo’s pressure intensified, but Malmö’s defence stood firm, until stoppage time. Substitute Mounsef Bakrar, who had earlier been denied, latched onto a late through-ball and calmly lifted it over Ellborg.
Busanello’s desperate clearance came too late as the ball crossed the line, breaking Malmö hearts.
The result leaves Malmö still searching for consistency on home soil, with just one UEL home victory in six outings.
Dinamo, meanwhile, extended their impressive away form to just one defeat in all competitions this season, even though the draw saw them relinquish top spot in the group.
