Betting tip
Despite an unbeaten run of five matches since the start of the new season, Dinamo's performances raise questions. The Zagreb side were close to being eliminated by Swiss side Thun in the round before last (4:3 on aggregate), only overcoming the underdogs in extra time of the home second leg. There were no problems against Kauno Žalgiris (7:1 on aggregate), although the trip to Lithuania could have been more convincing (2:1). Kovačević's side do not have an obvious personnel advantage: Dinamo's squad is worth only €17.5 million more than Viking's (€66.5 million to €49 million). The Croatians have also lost goalkeeper Ivan Filipović, who received a straight red card in the second leg against Kauno.
Viking are progressing confidently through the Norwegian championship, which resumed a month ago after the break for the 2026 World Cup. In their last five league matches, Morten Jensen's side have taken 13 points and scored 10 goals in total. The Maroons are two points ahead of Bodø/Glimt on points dropped and have the league's second-best attack (39 goals in 16 matches). Viking will play in Croatia in their usual vertical 4-3-3 system. The Scandinavians can move the ball quickly towards the opposition penalty area — Zlatko Tripić and Kristoffer Askildsen control play in midfield. The underdogs clearly have weaknesses, but without European experience it is difficult to judge them — the trip to Zagreb will be a serious test.
Dinamo have conceded in three of their four Champions League qualifying matches. Viking will exploit the sluggishness of the Croatian champions' slow defence, which can only pass forwards without building attacks themselves. A feast of aggressive pressing will open the game up — there will be goals.
