Check everything about Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Head-to-Head including Match Predictions, Team News, Lineups and Injury Updates.
As the 2024 Champions League season kicks off, Bayern Munich, the German footballing powerhouse, is set to host Croatia’s top team, Dinamo Zagreb, at the Allianz Arena. Both teams enter the match with strong records, eager to secure early points in their group-stage campaign. This clash is highly anticipated, with Bayern Munich looking to continue their stellar form, while Dinamo Zagreb hopes to upset the odds.
Let’s dive deeper into the head-to-head stats, team news, predicted lineups, and possible outcomes of this exciting match.
Match Summary
- Match: Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb
- Competition: UEFA Champions League, Group Stage
- Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
- Date: Tuesday, September 2024
- Kickoff Time: 20:00 (UK time)
- Stage: Group Stage – Matchday 1
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Head-to-Head (H2H) Record
Bayern Munich and Dinamo Zagreb have met twice in the Champions League before, back in 2015. Both matches saw Bayern comfortably defeat Dinamo, with a combined scoreline of 8-0. In those encounters, Robert Lewandowski scored five goals across the two legs, showcasing Bayern’s dominance.
However, football is full of surprises, and while Bayern remains the favorite, Dinamo Zagreb will be motivated to give the German giants a tougher challenge this time around.
Bayern Munich: Current Form and Strengths
Bayern Munich, a six-time European champion, enters this match in excellent form. Having made it to the knockout stages in every one of their 17 consecutive Champions League appearances, they are a force to reckon with. Under the leadership of their new manager, Vincent Kompany, Bayern has revitalized their squad, winning four straight matches across all competitions.
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Their attack is led by star striker Harry Kane, who has already scored multiple goals in the Bundesliga this season. His partnership with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, and Leroy Sane has provided Bayern with immense firepower. With a solid defense anchored by Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae, Bayern’s chances of securing a comfortable win seem high.
Bayern’s last outing saw them dismantle Holstein Kiel 6-1, with Kane scoring a hat-trick and Musiala netting the fastest goal of the season at 14 seconds. This form gives Bayern fans confidence as they embark on another Champions League campaign.
Dinamo Zagreb: The Underdogs with a Fighting Spirit
Dinamo Zagreb, the perennial champions of Croatia, are back in the Champions League after another dominant domestic season. While they are underdogs against a side like Bayern Munich, Dinamo has shown resilience in European competitions, having recently won their seventh consecutive Croatian league title and a domestic double.
Dinamo’s journey to this stage saw them cruise past Qarabag in the playoffs with a 5-0 aggregate win. Despite suffering a setback in their domestic league with a loss to arch-rivals Hajduk Split, Dinamo will be motivated to bring their best against Bayern.
Key players like Bruno Petkovic, Marko Pjaca, and young midfield talent Martin Baturina will be critical for Dinamo’s hopes. Petkovic, in particular, has been a consistent performer for both club and country, and his role as the main striker could trouble Bayern’s defense.
Team News
Bayern Munich:
Bayern Munich will be relieved to have Leroy Sane back in the squad after his recovery from injury. The team is almost at full strength, with only a few players, including Josip Stanisic (knee), Tarek Buchmann (thigh), and Hiroki Ito (foot), sidelined due to injuries. Vincent Kompany is expected to rotate his attacking lineup slightly, with the likes of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, and Jamal Musiala vying for starting spots.
Dinamo Zagreb:
Dinamo Zagreb may opt to tweak their lineup following their defeat to Hajduk Split in Croatia’s ‘eternal derby.’ Coach Sergej Jakirovic could bring in Sandro Kulenovic to partner with Bruno Petkovic in attack, given Kulenovic’s strong form in the Croatian league this season. The midfield will rely heavily on Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic, while the defense will need to hold firm against Bayern’s relentless attack.
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Predicted Lineups
Bayern Munich’s Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defense: Joshua Kimmich, Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Guerreiro
- Midfield: Joao Palhinha, Konrad Laimer
- Attack: Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry
- Striker: Harry Kane
Dinamo Zagreb’s Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Ivan Nevisitic
- Defense: Stefan Ristovski, Kevin Theophile-Catherine, Mohammed Mmaee, Ronael Pierre-Gabriel
- Midfield: Arijan Ademi, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic
- Attack: Marko Pjaca, Josip Sutalo, Bruno Petkovic
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane’s form has been nothing short of spectacular since his transfer to Bayern Munich. He has not only adapted quickly but has also become Bayern’s focal point in attack. Kane’s intelligent movement and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and his experience in high-pressure situations could prove vital.
Bruno Petkovic (Dinamo Zagreb)
Bruno Petkovic is Dinamo’s talisman and key striker. His ability to hold up the ball and link play with midfielders like Baturina makes him an essential component of Dinamo’s attack. Petkovic will need to be at his best if Dinamo hopes to cause any problems for Bayern’s defense.
Prediction: Bayern Munich 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb
Given Bayern’s strong form and wealth of attacking talent, it’s hard to see Dinamo Zagreb pulling off an upset at the Allianz Arena. Bayern’s record of winning 20 of their last 25 home games in the Champions League makes them overwhelming favorites.
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While Dinamo could pose some threat through counterattacks and set pieces, Bayern’s superior squad depth and quality should see them secure a comfortable 3-0 win.
FAQs
- What is Bayern Munich’s home record in the Champions League?
Bayern Munich has won 20 of their last 25 Champions League home games, losing only once. - How many times have Bayern Munich and Dinamo Zagreb faced each other?
The teams have met twice before, both in the 2015 Champions League group stage, with Bayern winning on both occasions. - Who is Bayern Munich’s top scorer in the Champions League?
Currently, Harry Kane is one of Bayern’s key scorers in the Champions League after his move from Tottenham Hotspur. - What is Dinamo Zagreb’s Champions League history?
Dinamo Zagreb has made multiple appearances in the Champions League, though they have struggled to progress beyond the group stage in recent years. - Which players are out injured for Bayern Munich?
Josip Stanisic (knee), Tarek Buchmann (thigh), and Hiroki Ito (foot) are set to miss the match due to injuries. - Who is Dinamo Zagreb’s key player to watch?
Bruno Petkovic, Dinamo’s main striker, is a crucial player for their attack. - What is Bayern Munich’s recent form?
Bayern Munich has won four consecutive matches in all competitions, showcasing their excellent form. - How did Dinamo Zagreb qualify for the Champions League group stage?
Dinamo Zagreb qualified by defeating Qarabag in the playoffs with a comfortable 5-0 aggregate victory. - Who is Bayern Munich’s coach for the 2024-25 season?
Vincent Kompany, former Manchester City captain, is Bayern Munich’s head coach for the current season. - What is Dinamo Zagreb’s recent league form?
Dinamo Zagreb has been in good form domestically but recently lost to Hajduk Split, their arch-rivals.
Conclusion
The match between Bayern Munich and Dinamo Zagreb promises to be an exciting contest, with Bayern looking to assert their dominance early in the group stage. While Dinamo will be hopeful of an upset, the German giants’ firepower and experience should prove too much for the Croatian champions.
