Dinamo Zagreb will look to strengthen their position inside the Europa League playoff places when they welcome NEC Nijmegen to Stadion Maksimir on Thursday evening.
The Croatian champions have collected four points from their opening two league-phase matches and sit comfortably ahead of their Dutch opponents, who are still searching for their first victory in the competition.
Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb’s domestic and European campaigns have followed very different paths so far this season.
Mario Kovacevic’s side successfully retained their status among Croatia’s elite by winning a domestic double last season, and they remain firmly in the title race once again. However, European competition has regularly proven more difficult for the Blues.
After falling short in Champions League qualifying against Viking, Dinamo were redirected into the Europa League, where they have made a respectable start. A goalless draw with Hapoel Beer Sheva was followed by a narrow 1-0 victory over Anderlecht thanks to Dion Beljo’s dramatic stoppage-time penalty.
That win means Dinamo enter matchday three with four points from six and a realistic opportunity to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
Recent domestic form has also been encouraging. Following a disappointing defeat to Hajduk Split, Dinamo responded emphatically with a 5-1 victory away to Slaven Belupo, providing a timely boost ahead of Thursday’s contest.
Beljo remains the key attacking figure. After scoring 38 goals in all competitions last season, including 31 in the league, he has continued his excellent form this term and already reached double figures. His penalty against Anderlecht and recent brace against Slaven Belupo highlight his importance to the side.
Team News
The hosts have no confirmed injury absentees, allowing Kovacevic to select from close to a full-strength squad.
Luka Stojkovic, Josip Misic and Kirill Kravtsov are expected to feature prominently in midfield, while goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski has already recorded clean sheets in both Europa League matches.
NEC Nijmegen
NEC are still searching for momentum after a difficult start to both their domestic and European campaigns.
The Dutch side qualified for Europe after achieving the best league finish in their history last season, but life at continental level has been far more challenging than supporters hoped.
A heavy 5-0 defeat at Juventus exposed defensive vulnerabilities on matchday one before a 1-1 draw at home to Levski Sofia at least delivered their first point. However, NEC have now conceded 12 goals in their last four European matches and continue to struggle for consistency.
Their domestic form offers little encouragement either. A 2-2 draw with Fortuna Sittard extended an eight-match winless run in all competitions, leaving pressure mounting on head coach Dick Schreuder.
Team News
The visitors are also dealing with significant defensive issues. Bram Nuytinck is sidelined with an ankle injury, while Philippe Sandler has also faced fitness problems, reducing options at the back.
There are concerns higher up the pitch too. Experienced playmaker Dusan Tadic remains a doubt after missing the weekend draw and could again be managed cautiously.
If Tadic is unavailable, responsibility will increase on players such as Tjarron Chery and Reinaldo to provide creativity. The Dutch side undoubtedly possess attacking quality, but defensive instability remains a major concern.
Key Factors to Consider
- Dinamo Zagreb have taken four points from their opening two Europa League matches.
- The Croatian champions are unbeaten at home in Europe this season.
- NEC have won none of their last eight matches in all competitions.
- The Dutch club have conceded 12 goals in their last four European outings.
- Dion Beljo is already enjoying another prolific campaign for Dinamo.
- NEC are dealing with defensive injury problems and doubts surrounding Dusan Tadic.
Conclusion
Dinamo Zagreb have not been particularly free-scoring in Europe so far, but they have shown greater organisation and stability than their opponents.
NEC remain capable of causing problems in transition and possess enough attacking quality to trouble the hosts, especially if they can exploit space on the counterattack. However, their defensive record and current form make this a difficult assignment.
With Beljo in strong goalscoring form and Dinamo carrying momentum from recent domestic success, the Croatian side appear better equipped to secure a valuable three points and continue their positive start to the Europa League campaign.
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