Overview
Dinamo Zagreb is getting closer to the goal of participating in the Champions League group stage for the 10th time after an impressive performance in the qualifiers. The Croatian representative just defeated Kauno Zalgiris with a total score of 7-1 to qualify for the play-offs.
Dinamo created a big advantage with a 5-0 victory at home, before defeating the opponent 2-1 in Lithuania. This result continued the dramatic comeback against Thun in the qualifiers. Mario Kovacevic's team was once led 3-1 after two legs, but still managed to bring the match into extra time and Moris Valincic scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute.
Dinamo's form is also very positive in the domestic league. After winning the Croatian championship for the 26th time last season, they are unbeaten in the 2026-2027 season.
Dinamo has a basis to be confident before the confrontation with Viking. In the last 24 Champions League qualifiers, the Croatian team has only lost 3 matches. They have also never lost at home against representatives from Norway.
With Viking, their European journey is somewhat more modest. This is the first time the Norwegian team has returned to the Champions League qualifiers since 1992, when they were eliminated by Barcelona in the first round.
Vikings had lost all 7 previous two-round matches in European cups and only reached the group stage once, at the UEFA Cup in the 2005-2006 season. The last four times they reached the qualifiers all ended in defeat, including a 2-4 defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League last season.
However, Viking entered the confrontation with Dinamo with certain confidence. Last season, they surprised by ending the dominance of Bodo/Glimt and winning the Eliteserien championship. That was their first title after 34 years of waiting, achieved thanks to a 7-match winning streak.
This season, Viking continues to maintain their competitiveness when they are only 1 point behind the leading team Bodo. The 1-2 defeat to Rosenborg is their third defeat after 17 rounds in the national championship.
Dinamo Zagreb clearly has an advantage in experience and achievements in the Champions League, but Viking is in good enough form to create challenges.
Personnel situation
Coach Mario Kovacevic will not have the service of goalkeeper Ivan Filipovic due to suspension after receiving a red card in the second leg against Kauno Zalgiris. Ivan Nevistic is likely to be given a replacement opportunity.
Dion Drena Beljo is having an impressive start to the season when scoring 5 goals in all competitions and continues to be expected to lead Dinamo's attack. Supporting this striker is Lukas Kacavenda, who has scored in the last 3 matches.
On Viking's side, Danish defender Anders Baertelsen will be absent after breaking his leg in a training session earlier this month. Veton Berisha is also not in his best physical condition.
Jesper Daland, a rookie loaned by Viking from Cardiff City, will likely replace Baertelsen in the central defender position.
Expected lineup:
Dinamo Zagreb: Nevistic, Valincic, Dominguez, McKenna, Goda, Stojkovic, Misic, Zajc, Lisica, Beljo, Orsic.
Vikings: Ostbo, Bjorshol, Stensness, Daland, Auklend, Askildsen, Kvia-Ekeskog, Alte, Tripic, Christiansen, Austbo.
The match between Dinamo Zagreb and Viking takes place at 2:00 a.m. on August 19 (Vietnam time).
