Dynamo Kyiv vs LASK preview: The final serious test before European competitions - 03.07.2026
Dynamo Kyiv
LASK Linz
Summer training camps are reaching their midpoint, which means there’s less and less time left for experimentation. On July 3rd, Dynamo Kyiv will play one of the most intriguing friendlies of this pre-season, facing off against Austria’s LASK. Despite the friendly status, this match promises to provide plenty of answers ahead of the new campaign.
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Igor Kostyuk’s squad is gradually building momentum. After a challenging previous season that ended with a fourth-place finish in the Ukrainian Premier League, the Kyiv side still managed to claim the Ukrainian Cup and, thanks to that, secured a spot in the Europa League qualifiers. Now, the main objective is to be as prepared as possible for the official matches, the first of which is just a few days away against Romania’s Universitatea Cluj.
During their Austrian camp, Dynamo have already shown signs of finding their rhythm. They started with a 1-1 draw against Slavia, then followed up with a confident 5-1 win over Žilina, and in their latest friendly, played in four 30-minute quarters, they beat Poland’s Wieczysta 4-2. Fans will be pleased to see that the team is especially improving in attack, creating more and more dangerous chances.
LASK represents a completely different level of challenge. The Austrian club has long been among the strongest sides in their country and is known for its intense football, high pressing, and rapid transitions. That’s why this match should be seen as a kind of dress rehearsal before the European campaign. If Dynamo can confidently play out from the back and control the game’s tempo under pressure, it will be a great sign ahead of the official season start.
Fans will also be eager to see Kostyuk’s selection decisions. It’s already clear during the camp that the manager is closely evaluating his immediate reserves, but the team’s core is starting to take shape. Neshcheret, Popov, Mikhavko, Dubinchak, Brazhko, Shaparenko, Buyalskyi, Yarmolenko, Guerrero, and Ponomarenko are all likely to get significant game time, as there’s very little left before the Europa League matches kick off.
Don’t expect a cautious affair. LASK rarely sits back, even in friendlies, and it’s crucial for Dynamo to test themselves against a side that’s ready to press and play at a high tempo.
That’s why there’s every reason to expect an entertaining encounter with chances at both ends.
Of course, the final score isn’t as important here as the quality of play. Supporters will be more interested in seeing how much the team has improved over the two weeks of training, how new tactical connections are working, and whether Kostyuk’s squad is ready to launch their European campaign.
Prediction: both teams to score – yes.
