Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction: 17/9/2024

Bayern Munich, semi-finalists in the last Champions League, will be looking to reclaim their position at the top of European football. Their last Champions League triumph came in 2020 during the final-8 tournament in Portugal, where they defeated Lyon in the semi-finals and Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

As the new season unfolds, Bayern’s main goal is to regain the Bundesliga title, which they lost to Bayer Leverkusen last season, as well as their first German Cup since 2020, during their historic sextuple win. Bayern has started this season strongly, winning their first two Bundesliga matches against Wolfsburg (3-2) and Freiburg (2-0).

On the other side, Dinamo Zagreb navigated the preliminary rounds to secure their spot in the Champions League. They comfortably defeated Qarabag with a 5-0 aggregate score over two legs. However, their domestic form has been a bit shaky, as they drew 1-1 with Rijeka in a key top-of-the-table clash before the international break. Last weekend, Dinamo Zagreb faced another tough challenge against Hajduk Split, their capital city rivals.

Bayern Munich has several injury concerns, with Buchmann, Arijon Ibrahimovic, new recruit Ito (formerly of Stuttgart), and Daniel Peretz all sidelined, along with key player Leroy Sané, who missed Germany’s international fixtures, and Stanisic.

On a positive note, Kingsley Coman, who remained with Bayern despite transfer rumors, is available, and Harry Kane, who scored 36 goals and provided 8 assists in the Bundesliga last season, is expected to feature, alongside German internationals Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala. The likes of Tel, Boey, and new signing Michael Olise (formerly of Crystal Palace) are also expected to be involved.

Dinamo Zagreb has their own injury issues, with defenders Peric, Jakirovic, and Perkovic likely to miss out. However, they will be boosted by the return of Macedonian forward Ristovski, who has already scored twice this season, and captain Ademi. Kulenovic, who has netted 5 goals in 5 league matches, remains the team’s main attacking threat, supported by Albanian international Hoxha and French defender Pierre-Gabriel, a former Ligue 1 player. Bernauer, another Frenchman, is also expected to start.

 

Prediction

Bayern Munich has provided plenty of entertainment at home in the Champions League, with 10 of their last 11 home matches featuring at least three goals. Similarly, Dinamo Zagreb has seen at least three goals in six of their last seven away matches in the competition. A high-scoring encounter is expected when these two teams meet.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 2-2 Dinamo Zagreb