Dinamo Zagreb have one last hurdle to negotiate before the UEFA Champions League main draw. They will face the champions of Norway, Viking, in the playoff round.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsCroatian giants Dinamo Zagreb have been to the UCL main draw nine times. A 10th one seems to be in the offing as Dinamo are coming into this game off a strong run this season. They’ve already negotiated two rounds of the qualifiers and are unbeaten in six matches to start off their season, winning five times with their most recent outing ending in a 4-0 win against Rudes.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894289##Viking have a date with destiny; they've never reached the Champions League main draw. Their challenge here, though, is expected to be feeble given their recent performances, compared to Dinamo Zagreb’s.The champions of Norway are coming off a 2-1 loss to Rosenborg, which halted their five-match unbeaten run. However, there is a positive end expected even if Viking lose this tie, as a slot in a European competition main draw is guaranteed for the Norwegians. As their record in two-legged ties in CL is unimpressive, settling in the Europa League looks like a worthwhile consolation.Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Tuesday 18 AugustVenue: Stadion Maksimir, ZagrebGroup: UEFA Champions League Playoff Round (1st Leg)Current standings: Qualification PhasePortuguese clash, Leao on Amorim: "You are lying"Qualification implications: The aggregate winner over two legs advances to the UEFA Champions League league phase, while the loser enters the UEFA Europa League main draw.Form GuideGNK Dinamo Zagreb✅ Win vs NK Rudes Zagreb (4-0)✅ Win vs FK Zalgiris Kaunas (2-1)✅ Win vs FK Zalgiris Kaunas (5-0)✅ Win vs NK Slaven Belupo (2-0)✅ Win vs FC Thun (3-2)Viking FK❌ Loss vs Rosenborg (1-2)✅ Win vs Sarpsborg 08 (2-1)✅ Win vs FK Start (3-0)➖ Draw vs Aalesund (1-1)✅ Win vs Lillestrøm (2-1)##NAJAVA_MECA_9894243##Head-to-Head No previous head-to-head competitive matches played between GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Viking FK.Team NewsGNK Dinamo Zagreb❌ Ivan Filipovic – Suspended (out).❌ Aleks Stojakovic – Foot injury (out).🟢 Matteo Perez Vinlof – Returned to fitness and available.🟢 Luka Stojkovic – Returned to fitness and available.Viking FK❌ Anders Baertelsen – Broken foot (out).🟡 Veton Berisha – Fitness concern, subject to late assessment.🟢 Jesper Daland – Available to debut on loan.Big deal for Barca – Joao Cancelo signed for freePlayer to Watch: Dion Drena Beljo (GNK Dinamo Zagreb)Dion Drena Beljo has started the new campaign in sensational form, netting five goals across all competitions to lead Dinamo Zagreb's attack. Coming off a dominant multi-goal performance against Rudes, the tall striker has proven to be the Focal point of Mario Kovacevic's frontline.Beljo's clinical finishing, physical dominance in aerial duels, and sharp movement inside the box make him the primary threat to Viking's depleted backline.If the Norwegian defenders fail to contain his aerial presence and space inside the 18-yard box, Beljo is well-equipped to put the Croatians ahead in this tie.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)GNK Dinamo Zagreb to Win🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Over 2.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)GNK Dinamo Zagreb to Win 2-0
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