Recap
Following their remarkable 2025/26 campaign, Thun are already preparing for their next major challenge: UEFA Champions League qualification. In the second qualifying round, the Swiss champions will face Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb.
However, Thun have experienced significant changes during the summer. In addition to the departure of head coach Mauro Lustrinelli, the club has lost several important players:
❌ Rastoder (36/15) – top scorer
❌ Ethan Meichtry (35/8) – third-highest scorer
❌ Bertone (33/11) – second-highest scorer
❌ Imeri (30/6)
❌ Rupp (16/0)
❌ Franke (12/0)
❌ Janjicic (8/0)
❌ Montolio (28/4) – injured
Thun have already brought in several reinforcements, including Zoukit and Derbaci from Aarau, Maier from Linz and Bürgy from Odense. Nevertheless, none of these additions can be considered a significant upgrade, while the squad-building process is still far from complete and further changes are expected in the coming weeks.
Their pre-season results have also been far from convincing. Thun suffered a defeat against Mannheim and were held to a 1-1 draw by Elversberg, results which suggest that the team may face considerable difficulties this season. Given the number of departures and the current quality of the squad, a lower-half finish in the domestic championship appears to be a realistic possibility.
Dinamo Zagreb have also made several changes during the summer break. The Croatian champions have strengthened their squad with the signing of former national team player Mislav Oršić, Barcelona prospect Dani Rodríguez and Rijeka centre-back Radeljić. Despite these changes, Dinamo still possess considerably greater individual quality and far more international experience than their Swiss opponents.
On paper, the Croatian champions are clear favorites. The difference in squad value is particularly significant, with Dinamo’s squad valued at almost four times that of Thun. The hosts will also have to pay special attention to Dinamo’s centre-forward Dion Beljo. The Croatian striker enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, scoring an impressive 38 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions and establishing himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the tie.
In my opinion, Dinamo Zagreb should be able to dominate both matches and secure convincing victories over the two legs.