Although the clash between Slovan Bratislava and Dinamo Zagreb might not be the biggest fixture on today's schedule, both teams have the chance to improve their standings. The Slovak side currently find themselves at the bottom of the Champions League table, whereas the Croatian team have broken into the top 24 following their victory over Salzburg (2:0).
Slovan Bratislava suffered a defeat to Girona (0:2) two weeks ago, marking their first loss without being heavily beaten in the current Champions League campaign. Nonetheless, they have the worst goal difference in the tournament (-10). In Catalonia, the Slovak side managed to create only 0.46 xG and had merely two shots on target, with injuries to Juraj Kucka, Julius Szoke, and Kevin Wimmer compounding their squad issues.
Dinamo Zagreb have doubts over just two starting players, Arijan Ademi and Martin Baturina. The crushing defeat to Bayern Munich (2:9) in the opening round seems to have sparked significant changes; since then, the Croatians have drawn with AS Monaco (2:2) and defeated Salzburg. Over the last 180 minutes in the Champions League, the Zagreb side produced 3.02 xG and registered eight shots on target, comfortably playing in a counter-attacking style.
Since September 25, Dinamo Zagreb have claimed four victories in five away matches, with one draw. Slovan Bratislava, seemingly unprepared for the Champions League challenges, are likely to remain pointless.
