The Matchday 1 encounter of the Europa League 2025/26 group stage between Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) and Fenerbahce (Turkey) will be held 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, last season, the team finished second and only managed to qualify for the Europa League group stage. The last time the Croatians played in the autumn stage of this European competition was four years ago, where they finished second in their group (10 points) and eventually exited in the round of 32. Notably, their most successful year was 2021, when Dinamo reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
- Both teams scored in 6 of Dinamo's last 8 Europa League matches during regular time.
- In their last 20 home matches in this tournament, the Croatians have been defeated only twice over 90 minutes (14 wins and 4 draws).
- The team has conceded during regular time in 5 of their last 6 home matches 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 Hodja, Mateo Lisica, Dion Beljo.
Fenerbahce
The Istanbul team finished second in their national league last season, earning a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League. They successfully passed the first stage by defeating Feyenoord (5-2 and 1-2), but in the playoff for the Champions League group stage, they lost to Benfica (0-0 and 0-1). Last year, Fenerbahce also exited the Champions League qualifying round and entered the main stage of the Europa League. In the group stage, the club finished 17th (4 wins and 4 losses) and concluded their campaign in the round of 16, losing to Rangers (1-3 and 2-0, extra time 0-0, penalties 2-3).
In early September, the club dismissed head coach Jose Mourinho and appointed Domenico Tedesco as his replacement.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches (2 wins and 3 draws).
- At home, Fenerbahce has only 2 defeats over 90 minutes in 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 miss the game due to suspension.
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%.
Match Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb vs. Fenerbahce
In the upcoming match, I slightly favor the hosts. The Croatians have started their league well, confidently leading after 7 rounds with 16 points. Meanwhile, the Istanbul team is third in their league with 11 points after 5 matches.
In a match between teams of roughly equal strength, the home-field advantage will be crucial. Zagreb is strong at their venue, having lost only twice in their last 20 Europa League home matches. Those defeats were against top league representatives – West Ham and Villarreal. It's also worth noting that Dinamo rarely fails to score in home Europa League matches. 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
