Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb vs Thun

Dinamo Zagreb and Thun will meet at Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday evening, as the two sides continue their 2026/27 UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie.

The first leg in Switzerland ended 1-1, leaving everything open before the return match in Croatia.

Verdict: Dinamo Zagreb -1 handicap
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet

Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb returns to Maksimir in a strong position, even if the first-leg result was not ideal. Mario Kovačević’s side needed a late Miha Zajc goal to avoid defeat in Switzerland, but the 1-1 draw still leaves Dinamo with home advantage and a clear route into the next round.

The Croatian champion has been very difficult to beat. Dinamo is unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions, and that run should give the team confidence before a decisive European night in Zagreb.

The home setting matters. Maksimir should give Dinamo a clear emotional and tactical advantage, especially against a Thun side that has not kept a clean sheet for months. The first leg showed that Thun can compete physically and cause problems, but Dinamo should have more control in Croatia.

The main reason to trust Dinamo is attacking quality. Dion Drena Beljo missed a good chance in the first leg, but he remains the focal point of the attack and should get more service at home. With Zajc, Sandro Kulenović, Mislav Oršić and Gabriel Vidović available in advanced areas, Dinamo has enough variety to break down Thun more than once.

The straight home win is too short to be very appealing. The better angle is Dinamo to win by at least two goals, especially if the hosts score early and force Thun to chase the tie.

Dinamo Zagreb Team News

Dion Drena Beljo is expected to lead the attack again. He will want to respond after failing to convert his main chance in the first leg, and this looks like the right kind of home match for him to make a bigger impact.

Luka Stojković remains suspended in Europe after his red card against Genk in February. His absence removes one creative option, but Dinamo still has enough attacking depth to cope.

Miha Zajc should be important again after scoring the equalizer in Switzerland. His experience and composure in midfield can help Dinamo manage the rhythm of the match.

Kovačević is expected to keep a strong lineup, with Ivan Filipović in goal and a back line likely to include Niko Galešić, Scott McKenna and Bruno Goda. Dinamo needs defensive concentration because Thun showed in the first leg that it can punish loose moments.

Thun comes into this second leg with belief after a competitive first-leg performance. Brighton Labeau gave the Swiss champion the lead, and Gian-Luca Privitelli’s side was close to taking a narrow advantage to Croatia before Zajc’s late equalizer.

That result showed Thun’s strengths. The team is disciplined, direct and capable of competing with a more established European opponent. It also opened the Swiss league season with a 3-1 win over Luzern, which should help confidence before the trip to Zagreb.

The problem is defensive reliability. Thun has not kept a clean sheet since February, and that 14-match run without a shutout is a major concern before playing away to Dinamo. Even if Thun scores, it may still need to survive long periods of pressure.

There is also a squad transition issue. Last season’s main scorers Elmin Rastoder and Leonardo Bertone are no longer at the club, leaving Privitelli to rebuild some of the attacking structure. Labeau did well in the first leg, but Thun may need more from Christopher Ibayi, Furkan Dursun and Marc Gutbub if it is to create enough chances in Zagreb.

Thun can make this uncomfortable, especially if it survives the opening 20 minutes. Still, the visitor may struggle to defend well enough across the full match.

Thun Team News

Mats Seiler is out with a groin issue, which removes one option from Privitelli’s squad.

Brighton Labeau should keep his place after scoring in the first leg. His movement and physical presence gave Dinamo problems in Switzerland, and Thun will need him to hold the ball up when the team is under pressure.

Christopher Ibayi’s starting status is less certain after he came off the bench in the first leg. He scored 10 league goals last season and could be used if Thun wants more presence in the final third.

Marc Gutbub is pushing for more minutes after scoring and assisting against Luzern. Even if he does not start, he could be an important second-half option if Thun needs a goal.

Dinamo Zagreb vs Thun key factors to consider

• The first leg ended 1-1 in Switzerland.
• Miha Zajc scored Dinamo’s equalizer in the 86th minute.
• Dinamo Zagreb is unbeaten in 19 matches across all competitions.
• Thun has not kept a clean sheet since February.
• Luka Stojković remains suspended for Dinamo in European competition.
• Dion Drena Beljo should lead the Dinamo attack again.
• Thun lost key attacking players Elmin Rastoder and Leonardo Bertone after last season.

Conclusion

Thun deserves respect after the first leg. The Swiss champion took the lead, competed well and showed enough attacking threat to make Dinamo work hard for the draw.

The second leg should look different. Dinamo is at home, has more European experience and should be able to sustain more pressure than it did in Switzerland. Thun’s long run without a clean sheet is the biggest red flag, especially against a Dinamo side with Beljo, Zajc, Oršić and Vidović in the final third.

The home win is the obvious pick, but the odds are short. Dinamo has enough quality and home advantage to win by more than one goal, making the -1 handicap the better selection.

Verdict: Dinamo Zagreb -1 handicap
Best odds: 1/1
Bookmaker: 1xBet

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