Europa League Preview: Dinamo Zagreb Host NEC Nijmegen Eyeing Back-to-Back Wins
Dinamo Zagreb welcome Dutch side NEC Nijmegen to Stadion Maksimir looking to build on their unbeaten start in the UEFA Europa League league phase with four points from two games. The visitors sit on just one point and face a daunting trip as they aim to bounce back and stay in contention for the knockout play-off places.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
In the newly expanded 36-team Europa League league phase, Dinamo Zagreb currently occupy 14th place with four points after a goalless draw away to Hapoel Beer Sheva and a hard-fought 1-0 home victory against Anderlecht. A win would put them in touching distance of the top-eight automatic qualifying spots. Meanwhile, NEC Nijmegen sit 27th with a solitary point following a heavy 5-0 defeat at Juventus and a 1-1 home draw against Levski Sofia, making this fixture crucial if they are to avoid falling out of play-off contention early.
Recent Form
Dinamo Zagreb have recorded three wins, one draw, and one defeat across their last five matches in all competitions, quickly recovering from a 2-1 domestic derby loss to Hajduk Split by edging Anderlecht 1-0 and thrashing Slaven Belupo 5-1 at the weekend. NEC Nijmegen have registered two wins, two draws, and one loss in their previous five fixtures, demonstrating decent defensive resilience domestically but showing glaring vulnerabilities in European away tests.
Key Players & Injury News
Dinamo striker Dion Beljo, who netted the dramatic late winner against Anderlecht, spearheads the home attack alongside playmaker Martin Baturina, with the Croatian champions reporting a relatively healthy squad barring minor defensive knocks. For NEC, Japanese forward Koki Ogawa and winger Kodai Sano will carry the creative and goalscoring burden, though concerns remain over midfield fatigue and minor muscular issues following their congested domestic and continental schedule.