Dinamo Zagreb vs Nijmegen Prediction, H2H Stats & Statistical Bets 22 October 2026
🔊 One of the more interesting matches in the third round of the Europa League league phase takes place at Maksimir, where Dinamo Zagreb host NEC Nijmegen. The Croatian side made a more confident start to the league phase: after a goalless draw with Hapoel they beat Anderlecht. The Dutch side, by contrast, have had a difficult start to the competition - following a heavy defeat to Juventus, they drew with Levski. The hosts have the more convincing European results behind them, but NEC will look to turn things around and make a fight of it.
Dinamo Zagreb’s only win.
📊 The two sides have met only once, back in 2008, when Dinamo Zagreb won 3-2 at home.
Two consecutive clean sheets in European competition
Dinamo Zagreb have picked up four points from their opening two Europa League fixtures. After a goalless draw with Hapoel Beer-Sheva, Mario Kovačević's side beat Anderlecht 1-0. The Croatians created chances worth 1.68 xG but only found the winner in stoppage time from the penalty spot, keeping a clean sheet for the second consecutive European match.
Their form in the Croatian championship has been less consistent. Following a 1-2 defeat to Hajduk, Dinamo responded emphatically in the next round, thrashing Slaven Belupo 5-1 away from home. They scored three times in the first half, conceded just before the break, then added two more after it.
The win in Koprivnica and the victory over Anderlecht have given Zagreb a confidence boost ahead of their next European outing. At the same time, the match against the Belgians showed that even when chances are being created, the team does not always convert their dominance into goals quickly. The game against NEC represents an opportunity for Dinamo to keep adding points and build on their positive momentum.
Match Results: Dinamo Zagreb
European campaign gets off to a rocky start
NEC Nijmegen are finding it hard going in Europe so far. After a heavy defeat to Juventus (0-5) in the opening round, they drew with Levski (1-1). In that home match against the Bulgarian side, the Dutch conceded first but managed to level. The early Europa League results have shown that NEC are struggling to compete at this level: after two rounds they have just one point and a goal difference of -5.
Things are not much better in the Eredivisie. Following heavy defeats to Feyenoord (1-3) and Cambuur (0-3), NEC steadied themselves and have gone four matches without a loss, which has lifted them to 12th place with 10 points after nine rounds.
Ahead of the trip to Zagreb, Dick Schreuder's side need to turn that unbeaten run into wins. They have stopped losing as often, but defensive reliability remains a concern: in their last two matches, against Levski and Fortuna, they conceded three goals. Against the backdrop of the heavy defeat to Juventus, that is one of the main questions hanging over them heading into the next Europa League round.
Match Results: NEC Nijmegen
Latest news
Dinamo Zagreb
❌ The main uncertainty at Dinamo Zagreb surrounds Alex Stojković, who is a doubt with a foot injury. There has been no official confirmation of how long he will be out, so his involvement remains unclear. Separately, Fran Topić, Ivan Nevistić, Noah Nsoki, Paul Tabinas and Robert Mudražija were not included in Dinamo's published Europa League squad list.
NEC Nijmegen
❌ NEC Nijmegen continue to have a sizeable injury list. Dušan Tadic has picked up a calf injury, with no timeline given for his return. Bram Nuytinck has injured his ankle and, according to the head coach, the defender is still some way from returning. Filippe Sandler remains in recovery from an injury, with no specific return date given. Emre Mor is also out with a muscle injury.
✅ There is some more encouraging news. Ahmetcan Kaplan and Deveron Fonville have returned to training but were not yet ready to play a full match. Tobias Storm has recovered from illness and is back in contention.
Predicted Lineups
📋 Predicted starting XI - Dinamo: Kotarski - Galesic, Dominguez, Radeljic, Vinlof - Misic, Almena - Hoxha, Ivanusec, Orsic - Beljo
📋 Predicted starting XI - NEC: Crettaz - Storm, Schuurs, Bras - Nejasmic, Lebreton, Geiger, Tahaui - Chery, Linssen, Monteiro
Total Goals Prediction
NEC Nijmegen have been conceding before half-time regularly - that outcome has occurred in seven consecutive matches, including five away games in a row. This run points to problems keeping a clean sheet in the first half. Dinamo Zagreb can look to take advantage of that and try to score before the break, while their opponents have yet to adjust. The pick: Dinamo Zagreb to Score in the First Half at 1.60*.
Corners Prediction
For those who like betting on set-piece markets, there is an option on Total Corners - Under 11.5 at 1.40*. Dinamo Zagreb's Europa League matches rarely produce a high corner count: this line has come in in seven consecutive matches for the club. We expect the same here, given the nature and importance of the game.
Yellow Cards Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb look like the favourites and will look to control the ball from the first minute. NEC Nijmegen will have to do a lot of work without the ball and stop the hosts' attacks through fouls. Some of those fouls are likely to result in bookings, so our pick is NEC to win the yellow card count.
*Odds are indicative and may vary depending on the bookmaker.
⭐ Editor's Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb come into this match on the back of a win over Anderlecht in the Europa League and a convincing victory in the Croatian championship. At home, they have won 8 of their last 9 matches, which supports the case for another win here. NEC have been struggling to pick up points recently, so the Croatians could take advantage of their opponents' difficulties and come out on top. Predicted score: 2-1. Editor's prediction: Dinamo Zagreb to win.
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Betting Tips: Dinamo Zagreb - NEC Nijmegen
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