Dinamo opt for change of tack

NK Dinamo Zagreb will go into their UEFA Cup Group G encounter at SL Benfica with a new coach after Nenad Gracan resigned following Saturday's defeat by HNK Rijeka.

Dinamo Zagreb
Gracan stepped down after Dinamo Zagreb's inconsistent form continued as they lost 4-2 at Rijeka to remain fifth in Croatia's First League. Ivan Bošnjak and Veldin Karic scored late consolation goals but it did not placate the frustrated supporters and after the game striker Dario Zahora was attacked as he drove away from the ground, receiving minor injuries. Ilija Loncarevic has been installed as Gracan's replacement and will lead the side for the first time against Benfica on Thursday.

Benfica
Benfica missed the chance to go top of the Portuguese SuperLiga after surrendering a two-goal lead against Rio Ave FC. Simão Sabrosa's early double looked to have put them on course for the victory they needed to leapfrog FC Porto, and although the visitors reduced the deficit, Tomislav Šokota restored the two-goal cushion on the half hour. But Rio Ave fought back and secured a share of the spoils with ten minutes remaining. Carlitos, Nuno Gomes and Mantorras all missed out through injury, as did Alcides, though the Brazilian is close to fitness.

Stuttgart
Fernando Meira returned to the VfB Stuttgart starting lineup as Kevin Kuranyi's second-half strike earned a hard-fought victory at home against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. Defenders Markus Babbel and Mathieu Delpierre were both hospitalised after suffering concussion and are doubtful for Thursday's trip to SC Heerenveen. Andreas Hinkel is out with a hamstring problem but is expected back for a potential Group G decider against Dinamo Zagreb in mid-December.

Heerenveen
An ingrowing toenail continued to keep striker Victor Sikora out of the Heerenveen side at the weekend. But he was not missed as the team came from a goal down to win at RBC Roosendaal and rise to fifth in the Eredivisie. Midfielder Daniel Berg Hestad, playing in place of rested Finnish international Mika Väyrynen, scored twice before Klaas Jan Huntelaar sealed victory. Another Finn, Hannu Haarala, sat the game out with a groin strain, while goalkeeper Boy Waterman is out until the new year with a knee injury. Defender Said Bakkati is still short of match fitness.

Beveren
Moussa Sanogo scored on his return from injury as last season's losing Belgian Cup finalists KSK Beveren reached the quarter-finals of this year's competition with a 1-0 win at second division side R. Antwerp FC. Abdoulaye Diawara is out for at least three months with a broken ankle and torn ligaments, while striker Constant Kipre is still recovering from a torn calf muscle and is not due to return until after the winter break.