Following the draw for the second qualifying round of the Champions League at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, the draw for the second qualifying round of the Europa League was held. Croatia has no representatives in this draw as Dinamo Zagreb secured direct qualification to the Europa League group stage and will not have to play qualifiers this summer. Dinamo will learn its eight possible opponents on August 29, with the first matches scheduled for September 24 or 25. Other Croatian clubs, such as Rijeka, Hajduk, and Varaždin, are participating in Champions League and Conference League qualifiers, with potential opponents and match dates already known or soon to be announced. UEFA has published subgroups and possible opponents for Croatian clubs, with Dinamo being the only club directly qualified for the Europa League group stage this season.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets focus on the sporting achievements of Croatian clubs, especially Dinamo Zagreb’s direct qualification to the Europa League group stage, highlighting the positive impact on Croatian football and the opportunities for smaller clubs in European competitions.
Center: Center-leaning sources provide balanced coverage of the UEFA draws, detailing the schedules, potential opponents for Croatian clubs, and the significance of Dinamo’s direct qualification, emphasizing the organizational aspects and the competitive landscape of European football.
Right: Right-leaning media emphasize national pride in Dinamo Zagreb’s success, framing it as a triumph for Croatian football on the European stage. They also highlight the challenges faced by other Croatian clubs in qualifiers and stress the importance of strong performances to enhance Croatia’s football reputation.
