Monsef Bakrar scores as Dinamo Zagreb moves top

Monsef Bakrar returned to the scoresheet on Monday, opening the scoring in Dinamo Zagreb’s 2-0 victory over HNK Gorica to move top on the table in Croatia’s top flight HNL.

⚽️GORICA – DINAMO 0:1 – Prva konkretna prilika na susretu i odmah pogodak, lijepa akcija i reakcija Bakrara. #hnl #sshnl #supersporthnl #gorica #dinamo pic.twitter.com/B5lNg8cPQC

— sportnet|HR (@sportnet_HR) December 1, 2025

The Algerian was left unmarked for a volley finish from close range in the 34th minute to give the visitors the advantage. Dinamo held on for a victory despite having a player sent off in the 73rd minute, with substitute Marko Soldo’s late goal confirming three points.

The giants from Croatia’s capital are on a quest to return to the top of the top flight after surprisingly losing out last season. Rijeka claimed the title to snap a seven-year run for The Blues, who have won 18 of the last 20 top flight titles since the 2005-06 season.

Bakrar has added plenty of depth to the striking corps for his new club. The 24-year-old, who made his name with Algerian club ES Setif, previously starred in Croatia for Istra 1961. After one season with Istra, the forward made a big-money move to Major League Soccer with New York City FC.

Things did not go to plan in New York, with Bakrar failing to find his scoring form. After only managing 10 goals in 76 matches across all competitions over two-and-a-half seasons with NYCFC, his current club swooped in to sign the Algerian in August.

QUEL BUT de Monsef Bakrar dans ce classico croate ! 🤯🇩🇿

Le setifien va offrir la victoire et la place de leader à son equipe.

Le Dinamo Zagreb veut retrouver la Ligue des Champions ! 🇪🇺 https://t.co/A0mgSSuIMp pic.twitter.com/rLeoAWJhJm

— 𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗨. 🔍🇩🇿 (@CompsMercu) September 20, 2025

He now has 9 goals in 18 appearances since returning to Croatia. Strong form has also made the striker more visible for his national team aspirations as he attempts to make a late push for inclusion in Algeria’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He came off the bench twice for friendlies against Zimbabwe and Saudi Arabia in mid-November, his first appearances for Les Verts since June 2024.

Dinamo now lead Hajduk Split by a point on the table. They are also involved in the UEFA Europa League, where they sit 23rd on the 36-team table in the midst of a battle to qualify for the competition’s knockout stages.