Dinamo Zagreb vs Thun Prediction and Betting Tips – 28 July 2026
Date: 26.07.2026
Author: Trevor Banks
Introduction
Dinamo Zagreb welcome Swiss champions FC Thun to Maksimir Stadium on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie.
The first match in Switzerland finished 1-1, so there is no complicated qualification calculation: the winner in Zagreb goes through, while another draw would take the tie into extra time. Follow us to get more Over/under soccer predictions for major leagues. Enjoy!
Dinamo were expected to return from Switzerland with an advantage, but Thun made the first leg much more awkward than the Croatian champions would have liked.
Brighton Labeau headed the Swiss side in front in the 19th minute after Fabio Fehr found space on the right and delivered a cross into the six-yard area. Dinamo created enough opportunities to respond, had two efforts cleared from the goal line and eventually equalised in the 86th minute through Miha Zajc. Fran Topić supplied the pass, and Zajc finished first time from outside the penalty area.
The late goal changed the mood around the tie, but it did not remove the warning signs.
Dinamo struggled with Thun’s long passes, physical forwards and second balls during the first half. Coach Mario Kovačević admitted afterwards that his players had not reacted well enough to that direct style. He also felt Dinamo became calmer and more dangerous after the break, when the Swiss defence twice had to clear the ball from the line.
Maksimir should give Dinamo a clear advantage, but this is not a routine home match against a nervous outsider.
Thun won the Swiss championship last season after entering the campaign as a newly promoted club. They have since changed coaches and sold several important players, yet their first two competitive performances of the new season have produced a draw against Dinamo and a 3-1 league victory away to Luzern.
Dinamo remain strong favourites, although backing the basic home win at a very short price offers limited value. The handicap and goals markets look more useful.
This preview was updated on 26 July 2026. Final team news and betting prices should be checked again on matchday.
Summer Changes
Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo have strengthened an already successful squad rather than starting another complete rebuild.
Mario Kovačević remains in charge after leading the club to the Croatian league and cup double. The central group that carried Dinamo through last season is still available, including Dion Drena Beljo, Miha Zajc, Josip Mišić, Luka Stojković, Scott McKenna and Sergi Dominguez. Dinamo finished the previous domestic season with the strongest defensive record in Croatia, while Beljo reached 30 league goals before the campaign was over.
The most emotional summer arrival is Mislav Oršić.
Dinamo’s record European goalscorer returned to Zagreb in June after three and a half years away. Oršić scored 91 goals and supplied 45 assists during his first spell with the club, and his experience should be particularly useful in tight European qualifiers. He started on the left in the first leg and was involved in several promising second-half attacks.
Dani Rodríguez has also joined from Barcelona’s system.
The 20-year-old Spanish winger can play on either side, although Dinamo described the right wing as his main position. His speed and one-on-one ability give Kovačević another option against opponents defending close to their own penalty area.
Aleks Stojaković became the latest attacking addition on 24 July. The 22-year-old Slovenian scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for Lokomotiva Zagreb last season and can operate as a winger, attacking midfielder or centre-forward. His involvement against Thun will depend on registration and the coaching staff’s assessment after only a few training sessions with the squad.
Dinamo’s summer business has created serious competition in the attacking positions. Oršić, Arbër Hoxha, Gabriel Vidović, Mateo Lisica, Mounsef Bakrar, Rodríguez, Stojaković and Fran Topić are all capable of supporting Beljo.
The main issue is not a lack of options. It is finding the right balance.
Dinamo occasionally became impatient in Switzerland, forcing passes when a calmer buildup would have moved Thun’s defensive block out of position. At Maksimir, the home side will need to use their technical superiority without turning the match into a series of hopeful crosses.
FC Thun
Thun’s summer has been much more disruptive.
Mauro Lustrinelli left after producing one of the most surprising title wins in recent European football. He guided Thun to promotion in 2025 and then immediately led the club to its first Swiss championship before accepting the head-coach position at Union Berlin.
Gian-Luca Privitelli has taken charge of the team.
He was officially listed as Thun’s coach for the first leg and has largely kept the direct, energetic identity that made the club so difficult to face last season. The early evidence suggests evolution rather than a complete tactical change.
Thun have also lost important members of the title-winning squad.
Midfielder Ethan Meichtry moved to Genoa, while striker Elmin Rastoder joined Panathinaikos. Those two departures removed a significant amount of energy, goals and development potential from the squad. Experienced midfielder Leonardo Bertone has also moved on.
Nicolas Bürgy has arrived to strengthen the defence, while several loaned players have returned to the club. The new squad is not as settled as the team that won the championship, but it still contains most of the players responsible for Thun’s aggressive and physically demanding style.
Brighton Labeau and Furkan Dursun remain the main central attacking options. Valmir Matoshi provides creativity from midfield, while Fabio Fehr, Michael Heule and Nico Maier offer energy from wider positions.
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Privitelli is that the mentality has survived the personnel changes.
Thun fell behind after only two minutes against Luzern on Saturday but recovered to win 3-1. Maier equalised, Marc Gutbub put them ahead after half-time and Bürgy completed the scoring late in the match.
Team Form
Dinamo Zagreb Form
Dinamo’s first competitive result of the season was the 1-1 draw in Thun.
Before that, Kovačević’s team had produced several convincing attacking performances during preparation. Dinamo opened their friendly schedule with a 3-0 victory over Radomlje, controlling possession and creating chances throughout the match. Beljo scored and Oršić made his first appearance since returning to the club.
Their first summer appearance at Maksimir ended in a 4-2 win over Koper.
Beljo opened the scoring, Luka Stojković struck twice and Fran Topić added a fourth in stoppage time. Across their opening three preparation matches, Dinamo recorded a combined goal difference of 16-2.
The performance in Switzerland was less fluid.
Dinamo started with reasonable control but lost too many second balls once Thun began playing directly towards Labeau and Dursun. Their defending around the opening goal was too passive, and several promising attacks broke down because of poor touches or rushed decisions.
The second half was better.
Beljo had a header cleared from the line, Oršić created danger from the left and Thun were forced deeper as the match continued. Zajc’s equaliser was deserved, even though Dinamo left it late.
The positive point is that Dinamo now know exactly what they are facing.
There should be no surprise when Thun play long, compete for the second ball and attack through early crosses. The Croatian champions have had a full week to adjust their defensive positioning and prepare for the physical side of the return match.
FC Thun Form
Thun’s results deserve more respect than the bookmakers’ prices might suggest.
Their summer preparation included a 6-2 victory over Neuchâtel Xamax, a 1-1 draw against German Bundesliga newcomers Elversberg and a 2-1 defeat against Waldhof Mannheim. Labeau scored against Elversberg before also finding the net in the first leg against Dinamo.
The 1-1 result against Dinamo was not based only on defensive luck.
Thun pressed aggressively, created opportunities and caused problems with direct passes towards their two forwards. Ivan Filipović had to make two saves during the attack immediately before Labeau’s goal, while Dursun later headed another presentable opportunity wide.
Thun then opened their Swiss Super League defence with a 3-1 away victory over Luzern on 25 July.
Privitelli reportedly rested most of the players who had started against Dinamo, making the result even more useful ahead of the trip to Zagreb. The rotation allowed several expected European starters to recover while the wider squad produced a convincing comeback.
The schedule is still demanding. Thun have played two competitive matches in five days and now face another away trip.
However, they travel to Croatia with confidence rather than fear. They have scored in four consecutive summer matches and have already shown that they can recover after conceding first.
Tactical Analysis
How Dinamo Zagreb May Approach the Match
Dinamo lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation in Switzerland.
Josip Mišić operated as the deepest midfielder, with Zajc and Vidović playing in the central attacking positions. Lisica and Oršić started wide, while Beljo led the line.
At Maksimir, the basic structure is unlikely to change.
Dinamo should control possession and push their full-backs higher. Moris Valinčić can overlap from the right, while Bruno Goda provides width on the opposite side when Oršić moves into more central positions.
The first tactical priority is dealing with Thun’s direct play.
In the first leg, McKenna and Dominguez often won the initial header but Dinamo failed to collect the loose ball. That allowed Matoshi, Maier and Reichmuth to attack before the visitors had reorganised.
Mišić cannot cover that space alone.
Zajc and Vidović must react more quickly when the ball is played towards Thun’s forwards. The full-backs also need to move inside when the attack develops on the opposite side.
The second priority is creating cleaner chances for Beljo.
Dinamo’s striker received one excellent opportunity after Mišić recovered possession high up the pitch, but he did not connect properly with the ball. His header in the second half was heading towards goal before Heule cleared it from the line.
Beljo should receive more service at home, although Dinamo cannot simply aim high crosses towards him for 90 minutes.
Thun are comfortable defending direct balls into the box. The home side will be more dangerous when Zajc and Vidović combine around the edge of the area and release the wingers behind the full-backs.
Oršić’s movement will be especially important.
If he stays wide, he can isolate Fehr and deliver crosses. If he moves inside, Goda can overlap and create a two-against-one situation. Oršić also remains dangerous from free kicks and shots outside the penalty area.
Dinamo should attack from the beginning, but there is no need for panic.
A single goal changes the tie. The home side have enough quality to increase the pressure gradually rather than commit six players forward during the opening ten minutes.
How Thun May Approach the Match
Thun started the first leg in a compact 4-4-2.
Labeau and Dursun played close together, giving the Swiss side two targets whenever they cleared the ball or played directly from defence. Matoshi and Maier supported from midfield, while Fehr regularly advanced from right-back.
Privitelli is unlikely to abandon that plan in Zagreb.
Thun do not need long spells of possession. Their best chance is to make the match physical, break Dinamo’s rhythm and attack quickly after winning second balls.
Labeau’s role is central to everything.
He can compete with McKenna, protect the ball and give the midfield enough time to move forward. Dursun can then run behind the defence or attack crosses from the opposite side.
Set pieces will also matter.
Thun’s defenders are strong in the air, while Dinamo did not defend every cross or restart convincingly in Switzerland. An early corner or wide free kick could create pressure inside Maksimir.
Without the ball, Thun will probably defend in two narrow lines of four.
They will allow Dinamo’s centre-backs to have possession while closing the routes into Zajc and Vidović. The risk is that defending too deep for too long will eventually produce chances around Steffen’s goal.
Thun need to remain brave enough to press at selected moments.
If Dinamo’s full-backs push forward and Mišić is isolated, one successful turnover could leave the home defence exposed. Thun scored three times in Luzern and should not travel with the sole intention of surviving until penalties.
Key Players
Dion Drena Beljo – Dinamo Zagreb
Beljo remains Dinamo’s main penalty-area threat.
He reached 30 league goals last season and scored during the summer victories over Radomlje and Koper. His finishing in the first leg was below his usual level, but his movement still created problems for Thun’s central defenders.
Dinamo need him to occupy Bamert and Bürki, attack the near post and convert one of the chances that should arrive at Maksimir.
Miha Zajc – Dinamo Zagreb
Zajc rescued Dinamo in Switzerland.
The Slovenian midfielder timed his run well and finished Topić’s pass with a controlled first-time strike. He scored ten goals in 38 appearances last season and has become one of the team’s most dependable players around the penalty area.
His ability to shoot from distance may be important against a compact Thun defence.
Mislav Oršić – Dinamo Zagreb
Oršić did not score in the first leg, but he became more influential after half-time.
He found space from the left, made one dangerous run into the penalty area and later delivered a cross that Thun had to clear from the goal line.
His European experience and understanding of the Maksimir atmosphere make him one of the players most likely to decide the return match.
Josip Mišić – Dinamo Zagreb
Mišić controls Dinamo’s buildup and protects the centre-backs.
He created one of Beljo’s best first-half chances after intercepting a pass inside the Thun half. His passing should help Dinamo move the visitors from side to side, but his defensive work against second balls will be equally important.
Brighton Labeau – FC Thun
Labeau has scored in each of Thun’s last two matches against international opposition.
He equalised against Elversberg during preparation and then headed Thun in front against Dinamo.
He is strong enough to compete with Dinamo’s centre-backs and clever enough to move towards the full-back when searching for a more favourable physical matchup.
Valmir Matoshi – FC Thun
Matoshi is Thun’s most creative midfield player.
He nearly scored twice in the first leg, first forcing Filipović into a save during the attack before Labeau’s goal and later sending a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
Dinamo cannot allow him to collect second balls with time to turn towards goal.
Fabio Fehr – FC Thun
Fehr assisted the opening goal in Switzerland.
The right-back recognised the space outside Dinamo’s midfield, moved forward and delivered an accurate cross for Labeau. He later made an important goal-line clearance to protect Thun’s lead.
He will face a difficult evening against Oršić and Goda, but his forward runs remain an important part of Thun’s counterattacking threat.
Niklas Steffen – FC Thun
Steffen made several important saves in the first match and received help from his defenders with two goal-line clearances.
He is likely to face more shots and crosses at Maksimir. His handling, communication and ability to slow the match down will be important if Thun survive the opening pressure.
Expected Lineups
The following selections are based mainly on the first leg. Dinamo have had a full week without a domestic fixture, while Thun rotated heavily against Luzern.
Dinamo Zagreb Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Ivan Filipović;
Moris Valinčić, Sergi Dominguez, Scott McKenna, Bruno Goda;
Josip Mišić;
Mateo Lisica, Gabriel Vidović, Miha Zajc, Mislav Oršić;
Dion Drena Beljo.
Possible changes: Arbër Hoxha could replace Lisica if Kovačević wants a more direct winger. Luka Stojković and Lukas Kačavenda are midfield alternatives, while Fran Topić made a strong impact from the bench by assisting the equaliser.
Dani Rodríguez and Aleks Stojaković are new attacking options, although their availability and readiness should be confirmed before kick-off.
FC Thun Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-4-2
Niklas Steffen;
Fabio Fehr, Jan Bamert, Marco Bürki, Michael Heule;
Nils Reichmuth, Justin Roth, Valmir Matoshi, Nico Maier;
Furkan Dursun, Brighton Labeau.
Possible changes: Nassim Zoukit replaced Maier during the first leg and can offer more defensive control. Marc Gutbub scored against Luzern and is pushing for a starting place, while Christopher Ibayi provides experience from the bench.
Nicolas Bürgy is another defensive option after scoring in the 3-1 victory over Luzern.
Head-to-Head
The 1-1 draw on 21 July 2026 was the first competitive meeting between Dinamo Zagreb and FC Thun. Follow us to get more Over/under soccer predictions for major leagues. Enjoy!
Previous Meeting
FC Thun 1-1 Dinamo Zagreb – 21 July 2026
- Brighton Labeau gave Thun the lead in the 19th minute.
- Miha Zajc equalised in the 86th minute.
- Thun scored with a header following a cross from the right.
- Dinamo had two efforts cleared from the goal line.
- Thun caused consistent problems with long passes and second balls.
The first game showed that Dinamo have more technical quality, but it also showed that Thun’s physical style can make the tie uncomfortable.
Betting Markets
Market prices were available on 26 July and may move before kick-off.
Dinamo Zagreb are priced at approximately 1.36 to 1.40 to win in 90 minutes. The draw is available around 4.75 to 5.00, while a Thun victory is priced between approximately 7.00 and 8.20.
Dinamo Zagreb to Win
Dinamo are the correct favourites.
They created the better chances in Switzerland, have greater squad depth and will now play on their natural home surface in front of a large Maksimir crowd. Tickets for the lower section of the North Stand have already sold out.
The problem is the price.
Odds around 1.38 do not offer much protection against another stubborn performance from Thun. The Swiss champions have already avoided defeat once and arrive after winning 3-1 in Luzern.
Verdict: Highly likely, but too short as a single bet.
Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5
The market expects Dinamo to control the return match, but a two-goal victory is not guaranteed.
The home side had enough openings to win comfortably in Switzerland and should create more at Maksimir. Thun must also become more adventurous if they fall behind, creating additional space for Oršić, Hoxha and the other wide players.
Current handicap pricing places Dinamo -1.5 close to even money, depending on the bookmaker.
The main concern is Thun’s resilience. They rarely stop competing, and one away goal would make a two-goal margin harder to achieve.
Verdict: Strong value at 1.90 or higher.
Over 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5 goals is available around 1.60 to 1.70, while Under 2.5 is generally priced above 2.00.
This market makes sense.
Dinamo should attack from the opening stages, while Thun have scored against Elversberg, Dinamo and Luzern in their last three matches. The Swiss side are also dangerous enough on the break to contribute to the total.
Verdict: Solid option, although the price is slightly short.
Both Teams to Score – Yes
Thun have shown that they can create chances against Dinamo’s defence.
They scored in the first leg and followed that performance with three goals away to Luzern. Dinamo also failed to keep a clean sheet in their last two matches.
The price for Both Teams to Score – Yes is available close to 2.00 with some operators.
The danger is that Dinamo may correct their problems against long balls and control the match without allowing Thun many chances.
Verdict: Attractive price, but slightly more unpredictable than the handicap.
Dinamo Zagreb to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
This combination fits a 2-1, 3-0 or 3-1 home victory.
It offers a much better price than the basic home win while still reflecting Dinamo’s overall superiority. Thun’s attacking approach also increases the chance of an open second half.
Verdict: Useful alternative for bettors who do not want to rely on a two-goal winning margin.
Draw at Half-Time
Thun will probably begin in a compact shape and try to remove the emotion from the stadium.
Dinamo may need time to move the Swiss block and find clean shooting positions. The first leg remained close throughout, and Thun are comfortable in physical, low-rhythm matches.
Verdict: Possible, but Dinamo’s expected early pressure makes it risky.
Best Bet
Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5
The preferred selection for Dinamo Zagreb vs Thun is:
Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5 – take at odds of 1.90 or higher
Dinamo did not play particularly well in Switzerland, yet they still created enough chances to score more than once.
Beljo missed a promising opening, Steffen made several saves and Thun cleared the ball from their goal line twice. Dinamo’s second-half pressure eventually produced Zajc’s equaliser.
The conditions should suit the Croatian champions much better in Zagreb.
They return to their home stadium, play on natural grass and have had a full week to prepare. Thun, meanwhile, played a league match on Saturday and now face their third competitive fixture in eight days.
The first goal will be crucial.
If Dinamo score early, Thun cannot remain inside their defensive block indefinitely. They will have to push more players forward, leaving space for Oršić, Hoxha, Lisica and the attacking midfielders.
Dinamo’s bench also gives them an advantage during the final half-hour. Kovačević can introduce Topić, Hoxha, Stojković or Kačavenda without weakening the attacking structure.
Thun deserve respect, particularly after their excellent result in Luzern. However, Dinamo should be capable of turning their greater technical quality and home advantage into a victory by at least two goals.
Best Bet: Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5
Minimum acceptable odds: 1.90
Score Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 FC Thun
Thun are unlikely to make this easy.
They will compete for every second ball, target Labeau with direct passes and look for crosses from Fehr and Heule. Their recent attacking form suggests that an away goal is realistic.
Dinamo should still create far more opportunities than they did in Switzerland.
Zajc and Vidović will have more room around the penalty area, while Oršić and the full-backs should repeatedly test Thun from the wide positions. Beljo is also unlikely to waste every clear chance for a second consecutive match.
The most likely pattern is a competitive opening half followed by a more open match after the first goal.
Correct score prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 FC Thun
Alternative prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 FC Thun
Qualification prediction: Dinamo Zagreb
FAQ
When is Dinamo Zagreb vs Thun?
The match will be played on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
What time does the match start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 in Zagreb and 21:00 in Bulgaria.
Where will the match be played?
The second leg will be played at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.
What happened in the first leg?
The first match finished 1-1. Brighton Labeau scored for Thun in the 19th minute, while Miha Zajc equalised for Dinamo in the 86th minute.
What do Dinamo Zagreb need to qualify?
Dinamo will qualify with any victory. Another draw would take the tie into extra time and potentially penalties.
What do Thun need to qualify?
Thun must win in Zagreb to qualify during normal time. A draw after 90 minutes would take the match into extra time.
Who is the favourite?
Dinamo Zagreb are the clear favourite, with early home-win odds around 1.36 to 1.40.
Who scored in the first leg?
Brighton Labeau scored for Thun, and Miha Zajc scored Dinamo’s equaliser.
How did Thun perform in their latest league match?
Thun began their Swiss Super League season with a 3-1 away victory over Luzern on 25 July.
What is the best bet?
Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5 is the preferred selection at odds of 1.90 or higher.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 FC Thun.
Conclusion
Dinamo Zagreb remain the stronger team, but the first leg proved that reputation alone will not take them into the next round.
Thun are organised, physical and completely comfortable playing without long periods of possession. Their forwards compete well for direct passes, their midfield attacks loose balls aggressively and their wide defenders are willing to move forward.
They are also travelling with genuine confidence.
A 1-1 draw against Dinamo followed by a 3-1 league victory in Luzern is an impressive start for a team that changed coaches and lost several important players during the summer.
Dinamo should still have enough.
They created the better chances in Switzerland, have considerably greater attacking depth and will now play in front of their own supporters. The return of Oršić, the scoring record of Beljo and the quality of Zajc give the Croatian champions several ways to break down Thun’s defensive shape.
The key is patience.
Dinamo cannot allow frustration to push both full-backs forward without protection. They must win the second balls, move Thun across the pitch and wait for spaces to appear around the penalty area.
Once the first goal arrives, the match should open.
Thun will then have to attack more aggressively, and that should give Dinamo the opportunities needed to establish a clear winning margin.
Final prediction: Dinamo Zagreb to win and qualify
Best bet: Dinamo Zagreb AH -1.5 at odds of 1.90 or higher
Correct score prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 FC Thun