D. Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Prediction & Betting Tips (24 September)

Dinamo Zagreb welcome Fenerbahçe to Stadion Maksimir on September 24 for the opening clash of their Europa League group stage campaign. The Croatian side, led by newly appointed manager Mario Kovacevic, have been in formidable domestic form, stringing together a seven-match winning streak before a recent draw against Varazdin. Kovacevic, who took charge in June, has instilled a compact, high-pressing style that has yielded consistent clean sheets. Up front, Dion Beljo—Zagreb’s towering 1.95m striker and their most valuable asset—has quickly become the focal point of their attack since joining in July, netting crucial goals in recent fixtures.

Fenerbahçe arrive in Zagreb with a more turbulent recent record, having alternated between emphatic wins and frustrating losses. Their 3-1 away victory over Gençlerbirliği at the end of August helped steady the ship after a narrow defeat to Benfica in European qualifiers. The Turkish giants boast a significantly higher squad market value and depth, with Colombian forward Jhon Durán standing out as their marquee signing this summer. Durán, valued at €35 million, brings pace and flair to a side that has struggled to convert possession into goals against top-tier opposition.

Historically, Dinamo Zagreb hold the edge in head-to-head encounters, having defeated Fenerbahçe 4-1 in their 2018 meeting and drawn 0-0 in the reverse fixture. While both teams have undergone significant changes since then, Zagreb’s current cohesion and home advantage could prove decisive. The Croatian runners-up have not lost in their last eight matches at Maksimir, and their defensive discipline may frustrate a Fenerbahçe side that has failed to score in three of their last six outings.

With form and momentum tilting slightly in Dinamo’s favor, a 2-1 scoreline seems a plausible outcome. Expect Beljo to find the net early, with Fenerbahçe responding through Durán before Zagreb clinch the winner in the second half. The match promises a tactical duel between Kovacevic’s structured approach and Fenerbahçe’s more fluid, possession-based game. If Zagreb can maintain their defensive shape and capitalize on set pieces, they may well start their Europa League journey with a statement victory.