Match Details
Competition: UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – Matchday 2
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Kick-off Time: 21:00 CET (9:00 PM Central European Time)
Venue: TSC Arena, Backa Topola, Serbia
Referee: To be confirmed
The Big Question: Who Will Win?
This is a crucial match for both teams. Maccabi are looking to grab their first Europa League win. Dinamo Zagreb come in hot after beating Fenerbahce 3-1. Our prediction leans towards Zagreb taking all three points away from Serbia.
Our Prediction: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-2 Dinamo Zagreb
Team Form & Recent Results
Maccabi Tel Aviv Current Form
The Israeli side is struggling to find the net. They drew 0-0 with PAOK in their Europa League opener. Last weekend? Another 0-0 draw against nine-man Bnei Sakhnin. That’s two straight goalless games.
But here’s the thing. Maccabi remain unbeaten in their last six matches. They’ve won four and drawn two since losing to Dynamo Kyiv in August.
Their home record at the neutral venue is strong. Five straight home wins. They’ve scored 14 goals and conceded just four in those games.
Dinamo Zagreb Current Form
The Croatian champions are flying right now. They smashed Slaven Belupo 4-1 on Sunday. That’s back-to-back league wins for Mario Kovacevic’s men.
Zagreb kicked off their Europa League campaign perfectly. A 3-1 victory over Turkish giants Fenerbahce sent a clear message.
The stats don’t lie. Dinamo are unbeaten in 13 of their last 14 games. That’s 11 wins and two draws since early July. Their away form is equally impressive. Seven games unbeaten on the road with five victories.
Head-to-Head Record
Maccabi vs Dinamo History
These teams have met twice before. Both matches ended in draws. So we’re talking about a balanced rivalry here.
The h2h stats suggest tight encounters. Neither team has managed to break the deadlock against the other.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv Probable XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
The Israeli side will likely stick with their defensive setup. Manager Zarko Lazetic needs his attack to wake up. They’ve failed to score in two straight games.
Key players to watch include their attacking midfielders and lone striker. But they’ll need to be clinical. Zagreb’s defense won’t give many chances.
Dinamo Zagreb Probable XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Zagreb will come out attacking. They scored three past Fenerbahce. Their confidence is sky-high.
The Croatian side has firepower up front. They’ve scored in nine of their last ten matches. Their midfield controls games. Their defense is solid.
Key Stats & Numbers
Maccabi Tel Aviv:
- Unbeaten in last 11 competitive matches (8 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss)
- Five consecutive home victories
- Failed to score in last two games
- Drew 0-0 with PAOK in Europa League opener
- Lost 1-0 to Dynamo Kyiv in August playoffs
Dinamo Zagreb:
- Unbeaten in 13 of last 14 matches (11 wins, 2 draws)
- Seven-game unbeaten away run (5 wins, 2 draws)
- Scored first in 9 of last 10 games
- Beat Fenerbahce 3-1 in Europa League opener
- At least 3 goals scored in 6 of last 7 matches
Match Analysis & Prediction
Why Zagreb Will Win
Dinamo are in red-hot form. They’re scoring for fun. Three goals against Fenerbahce. Four against Slaven Belupo.
Their away record is brilliant. They don’t fear traveling. Five wins in seven road games tells you everything.
Zagreb score first. They’ve done it in 9 of their last 10 matches. Getting that early goal changes games.
Maccabi’s Challenge
The Israeli side can’t buy a goal right now. Two 0-0 draws back-to-back is concerning.
Yes, they’re unbeaten. But draws won’t cut it in Europa League. You need wins to progress.
Their home record is strong. But this is a neutral venue in Serbia. Not quite a home advantage.
The Verdict
We’re backing Zagreb to edge this one. Their attacking form is too good. Maccabi’s lack of goals is worrying.
Final Score Prediction: 1-2 to Dinamo Zagreb
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Dinamo Zagreb to Win
Zagreb’s form and attacking power make them favorites.
Tip 2: Over 2.5 Goals – Yes
Six of Zagreb’s last seven games had three or more goals.
Tip 3: Zagreb to Score First
They’ve opened the scoring in 9 of their last 10 matches.
Tip 4: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Maccabi need to break their scoring drought at home.
What’s at Stake?
This match is huge for both teams. Maccabi need points after their opening draw. Zagreb want to build momentum after beating Fenerbahce.
The Europa League format is unforgiving. Every point matters. Winning away from home is gold dust.
For Maccabi, it’s about rediscovering their scoring touch. For Zagreb, it’s about proving they’re serious contenders.
Final Thoughts
Expect a competitive game. Both teams are organized. Both teams are unbeaten recently.
But Zagreb’s firepower should make the difference. Maccabi’s goalless run is a real concern.
The Croatian champions are our pick to grab all three points. They’re simply in better form right now.
Don’t Miss This Match: Thursday, October 2nd, 21:00 CET at TSC Arena!
