Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Typically stable Bayern Munich are once again leading the Bundesliga, remaining the only team with a perfect record after three rounds. Dinamo Zagreb, on the other hand, have not shown the same consistency in their domestic league and will need to put in a strong performance in Munich to be competitive.
Bayern Munich
In five official matches under Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich have surpassed the total over 3 four times. On Saturday, Harry Kane marked his debut hat-trick of the season, scoring 3+1 against Holstein Kiel (6:1). In that match, Bayren Munich were extremely dangerous in the opposition’s half (4.14 xG from 13 shots on target) but also conceded a goal with 0.38 xGA and allowed a shot to hit the woodwork—showing that Manuel Neuer and his defence are not flawless.
Dinamo Zagreb
On Friday, Dinamo Zagreb lost at home to Hajduk Split (0:1), extending their winless streak to three matches (including a friendly defeat to NK Trnje —1:2). However, their attack raises fewer concerns: Bruno Petković and Martin Baturina consistently create dangerous chances (15-5 in shots against Hajduk and 64-36 in possession). It seems likely that Dinamo Zagreb will mentally prepare for the Champions League and deliver their best attacking performance—they scored five goals against Qarabag in the qualifiers.
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction
The only previous meeting between Bayern Munich and Dinamo Zagreb came in the Champions League group stage nine years ago (5:0 and 2:0). In Munich, the hosts will be relentless in the attacking half as usual, though Dinamo Zagreb may find success on the counter. It's worth focusing on the total—Bayern could surpass it on their own.
