7M - Champions League Preview: Dinamo Zagreb vs. Thun - prediction, team news, lineups

Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb welcome Swiss titleholders Thun to Stadion Maksimir on Tuesday, July 28, with a spot in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on the line following a late 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Match Overview: Recent Form & Schedule Demands

Dinamo Zagreb enter Tuesday's fixture aiming to stretch their impressive unbeaten streak to 20 matches across all competitions. Mario Kovacevic's side looked headed for their first competitive defeat since February when they fell behind at Stockhorn Arena last week, but an 86th-minute equaliser from Miha Zajc restored parity. Returning to home turf, the Blues hold a formidable record in 2026, having suffered only a single defeat at Stadion Maksimir this calendar year—a 3-1 loss against Genk five months ago.

Thun travel to Zagreb under new management after Gian-Luca Privitelli took charge following Mauro Lustrinelli's departure, who had guided the Bernese Oberland club to their first-ever top-flight title last term. The Swiss champions bounced back from their late first-leg setback by winning their Swiss Super League season opener against Luzern over the weekend. However, defensive vulnerability remains a significant concern: Thun have gone 14 consecutive matches without keeping a clean sheet across all competitions, with their last shutout coming back in February against Winterthur (3-0).

Tactical & Stat Breakdown: Attack vs. Defense

The initial encounter in Switzerland highlighted clear tactical dynamics and key defensive trends:

Late Impact: Brighton Labeau put Thun ahead in the 20th minute before Miha Zajc struck late in the second half to keep Dinamo's unbeaten run intact.

Maksimir Fortress: Dinamo have lost just twice at home in European competition over the past seven months, with both defeats coming via 3-1 scorelines against Real Betis (December 2025) and Genk (February 2026).

Defensive Drought: Thun's 14-match run without a clean sheet presents a serious tactical challenge against a Zagreb side that excels in front of their home supporters.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb

Striker Dion Drena Beljo, who registered 31 goals last season, is expected to start up front despite failing to convert his sole opportunity in the first leg. Head coach Mario Kovacevic will be without key playmaker Luka Stojkovic, who remains suspended in European competition following his red card against Genk in February.

Dinamo Zagreb Possible Starting Lineup:
Filipovic; Valincic, Dominguez, McKenna, Goda; Misic, Zajc; Lisica, Vidovic, Orsic; Beljo

Thun

Following the departures of leading 2025-26 goalscorers Elmin Rastoder and Leonardo Bertone (who combined for 26 goals), Gian-Luca Privitelli continues to reshuffle his attacking options. Forward Christopher Ibayi (10 league goals last term) started on the bench last week as Furkan Dursun paired with Brighton Labeau. Marc Gutbub is also pushing for minutes after recording a goal and an assist against Luzern, while defender Mats Seiler is ruled out with a groin injury.

Thun Possible Starting Lineup:
Steffen; Fehr, Bamert, Burki, Huele; Reichmuth, Roth, Matoshi, Maier; Dursun, Labeau

Match Prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 3-1 Thun (Dinamo Zagreb advance 4-2 on aggregate)

Thun's persistent struggle to keep clean sheets poses a major issue against an experienced Dinamo Zagreb side playing at home. Supported by a passionate crowd at Stadion Maksimir, the Croatian champions possess superior firepower and solid form, which should carry them into the next round of Champions League qualifying.