After Dinamo Zagreb convincingly progressed through the qualifiers with victories over Qarabag, they secured their place in the new, revised format of the Champions League for the 2024/25 season. This season brings more tension and challenges, and Dinamo faces serious opponents in the fight for a place in the knockout stage. Given the success of this season, the club has high ambitions for future seasons, including the possibility of direct entry into the Champions League.

Dinamo in the new era of the Champions League
This season, the Champions League introduces a series of key changes that have significantly redefined the competition. The traditional group stage, which we have known for years, has been replaced by a unique league in which 36 teams will compete against each other. Each club will play eight matches against different opponents, giving Dinamo the opportunity to test itself against some of the best European teams. The competition system has become more dynamic, with increased competition in every match, meaning Dinamo will need to show top form from the very beginning.

Financial aspects and the importance of qualification
In addition to sporting success, qualifying for the Champions League also brings a significant financial boost for Dinamo. The club is expected to generate revenue of around 35 million euros, which will allow for further investments in the team and infrastructure. These funds will be crucial in ensuring Dinamo's competitiveness in the domestic league, as well as in European competitions. Dinamo will need to maintain this level of success to secure future direct qualifications for the Champions League, as the new UEFA coefficients could significantly impact the Croatian champion's qualification.

Schedule and key challenges
Dinamo faces a very challenging schedule in the Champions League. The first match is already scheduled for September 17, when Dinamo will visit Bayern, one of the main favorites to win the competition. In addition to Bayern, Dinamo will also play against Arsenal, Salzburg, Slovan Bratislava, Borussia Dortmund, Milan, Celtic, and Monaco. Each match represents a new challenge and an opportunity for Dinamo to showcase its quality and attempt to achieve historic success – qualification for the knockout stage.

Preparations for the season and expectations
During the summer transfer window, Dinamo strengthened the squad with several key players who will be crucial in the upcoming matches. The club has also focused on improving infrastructure, which is vital for long-term success. Expectations are high, and success in the Champions League could enhance the club's reputation not only in Croatia but also on the international stage. The coach and players are aware that they face significant challenges, but also opportunities to achieve memorable results.

Looking ahead
Given the current standings and coefficients, Dinamo has a realistic chance of directly qualifying for the Champions League next year, provided they win the Croatian championship again. UEFA's new coefficient system may allow the Croatian champion to skip the qualifiers, which would be a significant relief for the club. This means Dinamo will need to continue dominating in the domestic league and maintain a high level of performance to ensure continuity in the elite European competition. If Dinamo can maintain their form, the next season could bring new historic successes and additional financial benefits.

Dinamo Zagreb is now entering a phase where every match is crucial, and every point could be decisive. Given the progress made so far and the ambitions, the 2024/25 season could be one of the most exciting in the club's recent history.