As the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout phase gets underway, attention turns to Stadion Maksimir where Dinamo Zagreb host Belgian side Genk on 19 February 2026. Both teams are entering this phase with robust performances in their domestic leagues, and each arrives with momentum—Zagreb fresh off a dominant showing against Istra 1961, while Genk continue to ride a strong stretch of form. With tacticians Mario Kovacevic and Nicky Hayen at the helm, this matchup promises a finely balanced contest with key strategic battles across the pitch.
Keep an eye on Dinamo’s dynamic forward Dion Drena Beljo, who has scored 4 goals in his last 5 matches, and Genk’s creative midfield engine Daan Heymans, with 4 goals and 1 assist in his last 5—each capable of making a decisive impact on the fixture. Defensively, both backlines will be tested, with Zagreb conceding just once in their last three matches while Genk have put up three consecutive victories against formidable opposition.
A notable stat stands out: In their previous five matches, both teams have netted 10 goals apiece, signaling attacking intent and high entertainment value for spectators and bettors alike.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Knockout Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb |
| 🗓️ Date: | 19.02.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 19:45 CEST |
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Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk prediction
Given both clubs’ recent attacking productivity—and a nearly even defensive record—this fixture looks primed for goals at both ends. The best value pick is “Both Teams to Score – Yes,” as both sides have proven consistent in the final third and are less watertight than some of their continental peers.
Dinamo Zagreb traditionally employ a 4-3-3 system, focusing possession through midfield metronome Josip Mišić and utilizing the wide play of Luka Stojković. Genk counters with a compact 4-2-3-1. They rely on disciplined midfield pressing and the vision of Daan Heymans to transition quickly from defense to attack.
Statistically, Dinamo average 61 fouls and just 6 yellow cards in their last five matches—suggesting an assertive but measured approach. Genk, meanwhile, are less reserved: 50 fouls and 8 bookings over the same period. The slightly higher caution count from Genk could influence the flow, especially if Zagreb’s forward line manage to play between the lines and draw tactical indiscretions.
Ball control may lean slightly in favor of Genk, who completed nearly 2500 passes (vs Zagreb’s 2138) across their last five matches, but Zagreb’s finishing has been ruthlessly efficient.
Overs backers may also find value: Both sides have hit double-digit goals in their last five and average a combined over 3 corners per game.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Asian Handicap Dinamo Zagreb -0.25 |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 9 |
Team Analysis
Dinamo Zagreb recent matches:
Dinamo Zagreb approach this clash in strong form, particularly showcased by a resounding 4-0 win over Istra 1961 in their latest fixture. The attack looked free-flowing and multi-dimensional, with Beljo again getting on the scoresheet. The team has notched 10 goals in their last five, highlighting the effectiveness of their front line, while conceding only three. Their draw against Rijeka (0-0) demonstrated resilience but revealed occasional difficulty breaking down disciplined defenses.
Losses have been rare, with only one defeat in their last six outings. The defensive trio, marshalled by Kévin Théophile-Catherine, play a crucial role in limiting opposition opportunities while providing the foundation for quick ball recovery and counters.
Genk recent matches:
Genk exhibit ever-increasing cohesion, as evidenced by four wins from their last five matches—including a standout 2-0 home victory against Anderlecht and a hard-fought 3-2 against Mechelen. Daan Heymans has been instrumental, controlling midfield tempo and contributing vital goals from late runs.
Genk’s 10 goals in five games reflect a potent offensive system, but perhaps more noteworthy is their flexibility: quick switches between wide play and central overloads consistently trouble adversaries. The minor concern remains a defense that sometimes leaves space in behind, particularly during their draw at Cercle Brugge (1-1) and 2-1 wins which could have been more emphatic with better finishing.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Dinamo Zagreb | Genk |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 10 | 10 |
| Total shots | 87 | 77 |
| Free kicks | 31 | 23 |
| Corner kicks | 31 | 23 |
| Total fouls | 61 | 50 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 84 |
| Interceptions | 42 | 45 |
| Offsides | 9 | 9 |
🚨Read our full Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Dinamo Zagreb the favourite
- Moneyline Dinamo Zagreb 2.23 | Genk 3.22
- Draw 3.41
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.93 | Under 2.5 1.87
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.77 | No 1.95
Bookmakers slightly favor Dinamo Zagreb, reflecting their home advantage and strong, recent record at Maksimir. Genk however, are not far off—evidenced by their marginally higher odds, showing this is hardly a one-sided tie. Value hunters may appreciate the “BTTS” and “Over 2.5” markets, which are well supported by both teams’ recent attacking output.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb possible starting eleven
- GK: Dominik Livaković
- DF: Kévin Théophile-Catherine, Sergi Dominguez, Scott Mckenna, Matteo Perez Vinlöf
- MF: Josip Mišić, Miha Zajc, Gabriel Vidović
- FW: Luka Stojkovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Arber Hoxha
Mario Kovacevic is likely to stick to the tried-and-tested 4-3-3, utilizing Livaković’s shot-stopping and distribution. The back line, anchored by Théophile-Catherine and supported by the energetic Mckenna and Perez Vinlöf, has been solid. Midfield balance comes from Mišić’s control, Zajc’s creative spark, and Vidović’s versatility. Up front, Beljo is the clear threat, ably supplied by Stojkovic and Hoxha from the flanks. Watch Beljo for incisive runs and Mišić for controlling the match tempo.

Genk possible starting eleven
- GK: Tobias Lawal
- DF: Joris Kayembe, Mujaid Sadick, Matte Smets, Zakaria El Ouahdi
- MF: Bryan Heynen, Konstantinos Karetsas, Daan Heymans
- FW: Yira Sor, Aaron Bibout, Junya Ito
Genk’s lineup under Hayen continues to revolve around a resilient 4-2-3-1 shape. Lawal offers steady hands in goal, shielded by Kayembe, Sadick, Smets, and El Ouahdi—a unit that blends experience and youthful energy. Heynen does the dirty work in midfield, freeing up Heymans and Karetsas to join attacks. The pace of Sor and Ito, alongside the clinical Bibout, threatens any defensive line. Key men to observe are Daan Heymans for midfield orchestration and Ito’s work rate on the right.
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Genk. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
My take on the Match
Given each team’s current form, attacking threat, and stylistic approaches, a high-scoring, tightly contested encounter looks on the cards. My main pick is “Both Teams to Score – Yes,” with a lean toward Dinamo Zagreb edging the 90 minutes due to home advantage and a slightly steadier defensive setup. Still, Genk’s versatility and pace could threaten on the counter. Expect tactical adjustments and a match where goals come at both ends, underlining the value in goal-rich markets and handicap selections with small margins.

