Zagreb power versus vulnerable Norwegian defense: prediction for Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking
The first leg of the Champions League qualification play-off round between Dinamo Zagreb and Viking will take place on August 18, 2026. The Croatian champions enter this decisive stage of the qualifiers in outstanding form, while Viking returns to the Champions League for the first time since 1991.
Dinamo Zagreb: the hosts are in near-perfect form
Dinamo are unbeaten in 24 matches across all competitions, and have looked especially powerful in recent weeks. After a tough battle with Thun, Mario Kovačević’s side racked up four consecutive wins with an aggregate score of 13-1, confidently dispatched Žalgiris, and demolished Rudeš 4-0 in the Croatian league.
In attack, Luka Kačavenda and Dion Drena Beljo are the standouts: the former has bagged four goals in his last five appearances, while the latter already boasts five goals and two assists in six matches this season. The only notable loss is suspended goalkeeper Ivan Filipović, who will be replaced by Ivan Nevistić.
Viking: personnel woes hit the defense hardest
Viking approach their European campaign after a painful 1-2 defeat to Rosenborg, conceding the decisive goal in the 95th minute. That setback ended a five-match unbeaten run and at the same time cost the team the lead in the Norwegian league.
The situation is aggravated by injuries to Veton Berisha, Martin Roseth, and Anders Bloch Bertelsen. The losses in central defense are especially critical, as Viking have already conceded in eight of their last nine matches.
Match facts
- Dinamo are unbeaten in 24 consecutive matches across all tournaments.
- The Zagreb side have won their last four matches with an aggregate score of 13-1.
- Viking have conceded in eight of their last nine games.
Home advantage could be decisive: prediction for Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking
Both teams usually prefer to take the initiative, so this is unlikely to be a cagey affair. But Dinamo are clearly more stable right now, make better use of their chances, and look especially confident at home.
Viking have the firepower to respond through Kristiansen and Tripic, but their defensive absences make the visitors far too vulnerable. Given Dinamo’s current form, the logical edge goes to the hosts.
