Turkish heavyweights Fenerbahce begin their UEFA Europa League campaign with a clash against Croatian giants Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night.
Fenerbahce dropped to the Europa League after losing to Benfica in their UEFA Champions League play-off. The defeat cost two-time Champions League winner Jose Mourinho his job.
Mourinho was linked with a surprise return to Manchester United after his dismissal. The Portuguese, however, put those rumours to bed by signing a two-year deal with Benfica.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Preview and Team News
Preview
Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb saw their seven-year title run end last season. HNK Rijeka clinched the championship, courtesy of their better head-to-head record with Zagreb. Finishing second, Dinamo Zagreb qualified for the Europa League, while Rijeka got a chance to qualify for the league phase of the Champions League.
Zagreb naturally want to return to the summit of Croatian football this season, and their form reflects their resolve. They have picked up 16 points from seven games, winning five, drawing one, and losing one. Zagreb, who competed in the UCL league phase last season, are coming into Wednesday’s match in good spirits, having beaten rivals Hajduk Split 2-0 in their previous game.
We’re almost there ⏳ #uel pic.twitter.com/g643pyoctK
— GNK Dinamo (@gnkdinamo) September 23, 2025
Fenerbahce, meanwhile, are trying to get comfortable under new coach Domenico Tedesco. They are unbeaten under Tedesco in the Turkish top flight, but results have not been flattering. Playing three matches, they have had two draws and one win. After six matches, Fenerbahce are third in Super Lig rankings with 12 points, trailing leaders Galatasaray by six.
🏆 #UEL Lig Aşaması 1. Maç
🆚 Dinamo Zagreb
🗓 24 Eylül Çarşamba
🕙 22.00
📍 Maksimir Stadyumu
📲 #UEL #DZvFB pic.twitter.com/1pbhNkyduj— Fenerbahçe SK (@Fenerbahce) September 23, 2025
In their previous outing, Fenerbahce drew 1-1 with Kasimpasa, despite playing against 10 men for an entire half. Tedesco’s men looked too timid in the away fixture, taking only nine shots and conceding 17. Taking a more proactive approach might be necessary to deny Zagreb a dominant win.
Team News
Zagreb will be without Raul Torrente (ACL) and Ronael Pierre-Gabriel (muscle), while Sergi Dominguez and Miha Zajc are doubtful.
Fenerbahce, on the other hand, will have to make do without playmaker Anderson Talisca, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. John Duran is still nursing his head injury, whereas Edson Alvarez is racing against time to recover from his muscular issue.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Match Details
⚽Teams: Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce
🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
🏆 Competition: UEFA Europa League – Matchday 1
🟥Ref: Jerome Brisard
⌚KO: 8:00 PM BST
📺Where to Watch: TNT Sports 8
🏟️Stadium: Stadion Maksimir
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Stats
- Dinamo Zagreb and Fenerbahce have met 2 times in Europe: Zagreb 1 win, 1 draw
- Last meeting: Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce (4-1; 2018-19 Europa League Matchday 1)
- Dinamo Zagreb have lost only 2 of their last 19 Europa League group stage games since 2014
- Fenerbahce are on a four-game unbeaten away run in Europe (W 2, D 2)
- Dinamo Zagreb have faced Turkish opponents 6 times in Europe (W 2, D 2, L 2)
- Dinamo Zagreb have scored 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 8 games (W 6, D 1, L 1)
- Fenerbahce have failed to keep a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 games (W 2, D 3, L 1)
- Dinamo Zagreb’s top scorer this season: Sandro Kulenovic (5 league goals)
- Fenerbahce’s top scorer this season: Youssef En-Nesyri (4 league goals)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Head-to-Head
This will be Dinamo Zagreb and Fenerbahce’s third meeting in Europe. They met twice in the group stage of the 2018/19 season.
Zagreb beat Fenerbahce 4-1 at Stadion Maksimir, while they played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture at the Ulker Stadium (formerly known as Sukru Saracoglu Stadium).
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Betting Odds
Despite Dinamo Zagreb’s excellent form this season and their record at home, bookmakers are leaning towards Fenerbahce. They have priced Fenerbahce at 6/5, whereas Dinamo Zagreb are valued at 9/4.
Oddsmakers expect both teams to be on the scoresheet and see Fenerbahce’s in-form striker Youssef En Nesyri as the likeliest goalscorer.
Match Result
- Dinamo Zagreb – 9/4
- Draw – 5/2
- Fenerbahce – 6/5
Both Teams to Score
- Yes – 4/6
- No – 6/5
Anytime Goalscorer
- Youssef En Nesyri – 6/4
- Sandro Kulenovic – 7/4
- Kerem Akturkoglu – 9/4
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Prediction and Best Bet
On paper, Fenerbahce have a stronger team, boasting the likes of Marco Asensio, Milan Skriniar, and Ederson. But we believe Dinamo Zagreb’s form and home advantage would secure them a win in Wednesday’s Europa League opener.
Our Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 Fenerbahce
Best Bet: Dinamo Zagreb to Win @ 9/4
