The first-leg Europa League 2025/26 play-off match between GNK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia) and Koninklijke Racing Club Genk (Belgium) will take place on 19 February at the Maksimir Stadium. GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs Koninklijke Racing Club Genk: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb
The Croatians lost in the final round of the league phase, going down 0:2 away to Midtjylland. That, incidentally, was their fourth defeat in the last five matches in this European competition (with one win). Even so, despite those numbers, the Balkan side managed to reach the play-offs, finishing 23rd. They were fortunate that two teams below them lost in the final round. Interestingly, the last time Dinamo also took part in the Europa League, they likewise made it to the play-off round – in the 2021/22 season, the Zagreb club lost to Sevilla on aggregate over two legs.
- Both teams scored in 7 of the Croatians’ previous 10 matches in this European competition.
- At least three goals were scored in 8 of Dinamo’s last 10 Europa League matches.
- The Zagreb side avoided defeat in 6 of their previous 8 home games in this tournament (5 wins and 1 draw).
Potential GNK Dinamo Zagreb Lineup (4-3-3)*
Ivan Nevistic – Scott McKenna, Sergi Dominguez, Niko Galesic, Bruno Goda – Gabriel Vidovic, Josip Misic, Cardoso Varela – Marko Soldo, Luka Stojkovic, Sandro Kulenovic.
Koninklijke Racing Club Genk
The Belgians won their last two league-phase matches. However, the victories were not especially convincing – they beat Utrecht 2:0 away and then overcame Malmo 2:1 at home. As a result, the club finished ninth, missing out on eighth-placed Roma only on goals scored and conceded difference. In the 2018/19 season, Genk also played in the Europa League play-offs, but did not progress, losing on aggregate over two legs to Slavia Prague.
- The club have won 4 of their previous 5 matches in this European competition.
- Genk have conceded more than one goal in just 1 of their last 8 Europa League games.
- At least one of the sides failed to score in 7 of the Belgians’ previous 10 away matches in this tournament.
Potential Koninklijke Racing Club Genk Lineup (4-3-3)*
Tobias Lawal – Zakaria El Ouahdi, Matte Smets, Mujaid Sadick Aliou, Yaimar Medina – Daan Heymans, Bryan Heynen, Ibrahima Sory – Junya Ito, Hyeon Gyu Oh, Jarne Steuckers.
Due to suspension, midfielder Barry Amadou will miss the match.
Referee
Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
Matches – 5 (International fixtures, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second bookings) – 27;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.4;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 29;
Penalties – 40%.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs Koninklijke Racing Club Genk: Match Prediction
It is difficult to favour either side in the first leg. The Croatians are strong at home, while the Belgians often win away from home in the Europa League. For that reason, we prefer a bet on both teams to score. Dinamo failed to score in just one of their last eight home matches in this tournament, against Celta. However, the Zagreb side have also conceded in five previous home games in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, the Belgians have won 4 of their last 5 away matches in this tournament. In addition, the team kept a clean sheet in only 4 of their previous 19 away games in this European competition. It is also worth noting that the last head-to-head meeting between these opponents in Zagreb in the Europa League ended in a 1:1 draw.
Prediction: Both teams to score – Yes
* For each team, the starting line-up from its most recent match is listed.
