The Matchday 1 clash in the 2025/26 Europa League group stage between Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will take place on September 24 at the Maksimir Stadium. Dinamo Zagreb vs. Fenerbahce: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dinamo Zagreb
The Zagreb club has won its national championship for seven consecutive seasons and started in the Champions League qualifiers. However, in the last campaign, the team finished second and only qualified for the Europa League group stage. The last time they played in the autumn stage of this European competition was four years ago when they finished second in their group (10 points) and eventually stopped in the Round of 32. Notably, 2021 was their most successful year, reaching the Europa League quarter-finals.
- Both teams scored in regulation time in 6 of Dinamo's last 8 Europa League games.
- In their last 20 home matches in this tournament, the Croatians have lost only twice in 90 minutes (14 wins and 4 draws).
- The team conceded in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 home games in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Dinamo Zagreb (4-3-3)
Ivan Nevistic – Bruno Goda, Scott McKenna, Sergi Dominguez, Moris Valincic – Miha Zajc, Dejan Ljubicic, Josip Misic – Arber Hodza, Mateo Lisica, Dion Beljo.
Fenerbahce
The Istanbul team finished second in their national league last season and earned a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. They advanced past the first stage by defeating Feyenoord (5-2 and 1-2), but lost in the playoff to reach the Champions League group stage to Benfica (0-0 and 0-1). Last year, Fenerbahce also exited the Champions League qualifiers and entered the main stage of the Europa League. They finished 17th in the group stage (4 wins and 4 losses) and concluded their campaign in the Round of 16, where they were defeated by Rangers (1-3 and 2-0, extra time 0-0, penalties 2-3).
In early September, the club dismissed head coach Jose Mourinho. Dominik Tedesco was appointed as his replacement.
- The club has not lost in regulation time in 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches (2 wins and 3 draws).
- At home, Fenerbahce has only 2 losses in 90 minutes over their last 14 matches in this tournament (7 wins and 5 draws).
- At least 2 goals were scored in the first half in 6 of Fenerbahce's last 8 matches in this European competition.
Predicted lineup for Fenerbahce (4-2-3-1)
Irfan Can Egribayat – Nelson Semedo, Archie Brown, Milan Skriniar, Jayden Oosterwolde – Fred, Ismail Yuksek – Sebastian Szymanski, Talisca, Oguz Aydin – Youssef En-Nesyri.
Midfielder Talisca will not play due to suspension. Forward John Duran and midfielder Edson Alvarez are injured.
Referee
Jerome Brisard (France)
Matches – 9 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 39;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 30;
Penalties – 44%.
Dinamo Zagreb vs. Fenerbahce: Match Prediction
In the upcoming encounter, I give a slight edge to the hosts. The Croatians have started their league campaign well, leading the table confidently after 7 rounds with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Istanbul side is third in their league with 11 points from 5 matches.
In a clash of relatively evenly matched opponents, the home-field advantage could be crucial. Zagreb has been strong at their venue, losing only twice in their last 20 Europa League home matches. The defeats came against top-league representatives – West Ham and Villarreal. It's also worth noting that Dinamo rarely fails to score in home Europa League encounters. On the other hand, Fenerbahce has only won 2 of their last 7 away matches in this European competition.
My prediction – Dinamo Zagreb to win or draw
