Dinamo spurn chance to defeat Club Brugge

NK Dinamo Zagreb striker Sammir missed a penalty as the Croatian club were held to a goalless draw by Club Brugge KV.

Having failed to fire Dinamo in front early on, Sammir then wasted a chance to make amends in the 77th minute when he slotted his spot-kick against the post. Club Brugge also had opportunities to claim the points, but the draw leaves both clubs in contention to qualify with three more matches to play in UEFA Europa League Group D.

Both teams could have scored in a dramatic opening four minutes. Dinamo were the first to threaten as Pedro Morales raced on to a lofted pass from midfield and cut the ball back for the unmarked Sammir, who had the goal at his mercy but was denied by Geert De Vlieger's fingertip save.

Club Brugge hit back immediately, breaking speedily down the left from where Nabil Dirar tried his luck with a fierce shot across Ivan Kelava which the keeper palmed away. Wilfried Dalmat was on hand to tap in the loose ball, but Leandro Cufré had read the situation perfectly and his last-ditch tackle prevented a certain goal.

The play was surprisingly open, and Kelava had to be alert again in the ninth minute to keep out Karel Geraerts' toe poke with a low save to his left. Geraerts was then involved in a swift three-on-two attack. The Belgian side waited patiently to play the final ball, although the precise pass was not matched by the finish, Vadis Odjidja fluffing his lines from a promising position.

As in the first half, though, Sammir had the best opportunity after the break. The burly No10 won a penalty after being fouled by De Vlieger when leaping for a header, but was casual with his run-up before shooting his penalty against the upright.