El Arbi Soudani's first-half hat-trick propelled Dinamo Zagreb towards a 5-1 win over Astra Giurgiu of Romania in Europa League Group D.
Two headers and an unmarked tap-in from the Algeria striker made it 3-0 at half-time before substitutes Angelo Henriquez and Ante Coric added second-half strikes, Aurelian Chitu with Astra's solitary reply.
And with Salzburg and Celtic drawing in the other game in the group, Dinamo are the early leaders in the standings.
Dinamo forward Wilson Eduardo's early shot was blocked before Astra threatened when Constantin Budescu's shot was saved.
But the opener arrived in the 16th minute when Ivo Pinto crossed perfectly from the right for Soudani to head the ball into the bottom corner.
And after Wilson Eduardo was denied again, Soudani extended the lead in the 23rd minute with a powerful downward header from Domagoj Antolic's corner.
Syam Ben Youssef's header was off target as Astra sought a response but it was Soudani again who netted on the stroke of half-time.
As before, the goal came from a right-wing cross, this time from Wilson Eduardo, and a hopelessly unattended Soudani could hardly believe his luck as he slotted home right-footed from six yards to round off his treble.
Astra's Seidou Yahaya shot wide early in the second half but the visitors were unable to mount any kind of sustained push.
And after Antolic shot wide, Dinamo introduced Henriquez for Duje Cop - with immediate effect.
The on-loan Manchester United striker had been on the field less than three minutes when he latched on to a fine through-ball from the hugely impressive Antolic and slotted the ball calmly into the bottom corner.
Constantin Budescu whistled a free-kick over the bar at the other end but was the provider as Astra finally got themselves on the scoresheet through a subsitute of their own, Chitu converting his excellent far-post cross.
Another Chitu effort was saved before Dinamo added a late coat of gloss to the scoreline, Soudani picking out 17-year-old Coric who curled a delightful effort beyond keeper Silviu Lung.
ends
UEFA Europa League Standings
POS | Team | GP | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rangers | 6 | +6 | 14 |
2 | Benfica | 6 | +9 | 12 |
3 | Standard Liege | 6 | -7 | 4 |
4 | Lech Poznan | 6 | -8 | 3 |
Europa League News
Arsenal agree £120m loan as impact of COVID-19 further hits the club
Arsenal have agreed an £120 million short-term loan with the Bank of England as the club feels the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Can Man United overcome David Silva & Real Sociedad?
Ian Darke and Don Hutchison discuss why Manchester United's Europa League campaign faces a tough start.
Will Benfica prove to be a nightmare draw for Arsenal?
Don Hutchison doubts Mikel Arteta's ability to win the Europa League, especially after Arsenal drew Benfica.
Ogden: Sociedad the worst possible tie for Man United
Mark Ogden believes David Silva could haunt Man United in what he believes is a very difficult tie.
Arsenal's Tierney: Team's terrible form isn't good enough, Arteta not to blame
Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has said the side's run of form is "terrible" but he has backed manager Mikel Arteta.
UEL draw: Man Utd face Real Sociedad; Benfica vs. Arsenal
Manchester United were drawn against Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 32, while Arsenal will take on Benfica.