Dinamo Zagreb vs Varazdin Prediction: 26.04.2026 1. HNL Preview

When Dinamo Zagreb welcomes Varazdin to Stadion Maksimir for this 1. HNL regular season clash, the stakes go well beyond three points. Dinamo, perched atop the table with an imposing goal difference, are gunning to maintain their domestic dominance, while Varazdin, riding a promising streak of their own, aim to disrupt the natural order and make a late-season statement. For both sides, this fixture is about more than bragging rights; it’s a test of mettle, squad depth, and tactical discipline under pressure.

Two names stand out when considering match-defining impact. For Dinamo Zagreb, Dion Drena Beljo is in ferocious form, notching 8 goals in his last 4 appearances—his movement and finishing inside the box have left defenders scrambling. For Varazdin, Iuri Tavares has been the difference maker up front, scoring 3 goals in his last 4 games, including the winner against Rijeka. Both strikers are the spearheads of their respective attacks and will be central to any breakthrough on Saturday evening.

The hot stat? Dinamo Zagreb have scored a staggering 21 goals in their last 5 matches, including a 7-0 demolition of Osijek and a 6-3 thriller against Gorica. This attacking explosion puts them miles ahead of the rest of the league for firepower, and signals real danger for any visiting defence.

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Dinamo Zagreb vs Varazdin prediction

Given Dinamo Zagreb’s rampant attacking form and overall squad quality, the smart money is on the league leaders to secure a convincing win. Their recent matches have seen them average over four goals per game and display an attacking variety that few in the league can match. Varazdin, despite a strong run, have struggled to keep clean sheets against top-tier opposition and will be up against the most clinical attack in Croatia.

Dinamo’s style under Mario Kovacevic is aggressive and possession-heavy, with an average of 60 percent ball control in recent matches, low yellow card counts (just 5 in the last 5 matches), and an ability to create scoring chances from both open play and set pieces. Varazdin, on the other hand, have a more reactive style, evidenced by their 51 fouls and 11 yellow cards in the last five outings, often resorting to physical play to disrupt opponents. This could lead to disciplinary risks and set-piece opportunities for Dinamo, further tilting the odds.

Team Analysis

Dinamo Zagreb enter this clash in formidable shape, undefeated in their last five, and coming off a 2-0 win over Istra 1961. Their ability to rotate the squad while maintaining attacking impetus has been a hallmark of their campaign. In their previous matches, they have posted impressive scorelines: a 2-2 draw against Rijeka, a 4-1 win at Vukovar, and the aforementioned 6-3 and 7-0 victories. Their attack is multi-faceted, with goals coming from across the front line, but Beljo’s purple patch has been the headline.

Varazdin, too, are enjoying a good spell, unbeaten in their last four and registering clean sheets against Rijeka and Osijek. Their most recent outing, a 1-0 win over Rijeka, was a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to grind out results against stronger opposition. However, their previous matches, including a 1-2 loss to Istra and a 1-1 draw with Gorica, point to some inconsistency, especially in breaking down compact defences. Tavares’ recent form is a boost, but their lower shot volume and higher foul count suggest they will be playing on the counter, hoping to catch Dinamo on the break.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Dinamo Zagreb vs Varazdin stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Dinamo Zagreb the favourite

• Moneyline Dinamo Zagreb 1.18 | Varazdin 11.00
• Draw 6.00
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.50 | Under 2.5 2.50
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.30 | No 1.55

Bookmakers are overwhelmingly in favour of Dinamo Zagreb, as reflected in the slim 1.18 odds. This is justified by their dominance at home and Varazdin’s underdog status. The draw (6.00) and away win (11.00) are long shots. Over 2.5 goals is favoured at 1.50 due to Dinamo’s prolific attack, while the “No” for both teams to score (1.55) indicates confidence in Dinamo’s defensive solidity and Varazdin’s limited offensive output against top sides.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb possible starting eleven

• GK: Ivan Nevistić
• DF: Niko Galesic, Sergi Dominguez, Bruno Goda, Scott Mckenna
• MF: Josip Mišić, Miha Zajc, Gabriel Vidović
• FW: Luka Stojkovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Arber Hoxha

With Nevistić between the posts, Dinamo’s back four should comprise Galesic and Goda at fullback, Dominguez and Mckenna as the central pairing. In midfield, the combination of Mišić’s creativity and Zajc’s engine provides balance, while Vidović offers a direct threat. Up front, Stojkovic and Hoxha will flank Beljo, who is in unstoppable scoring form. Expect a 4-2-3-1 formation with plenty of width and attacking runs from the fullbacks—Beljo is the clear player to watch, but keep an eye on Stojkovic’s movement off the ball.

Varazdin possible starting eleven

• GK: Oliver Zelenika
• DF: Frane Maglica, Mario Mladenovski, Novak Tepsic, Gregor Sikošek
• MF: Tomislav Duvnjak, Aleksa Latkovic, David Puclin
• FW: Iuri Tavares, Ivan Canjuga, Luka Mamic

Zelenika is a lock in goal for Varazdin, with Maglica and Sikošek providing experience in defence. Mladenovski and Tepsic should round out the back line. The midfield trio of Duvnjak, Latkovic, and Puclin will be tasked with disrupting Dinamo’s rhythm and launching quick transitions. Up top, Tavares is the focal point, supported by Canjuga and Mamic in a 4-3-3 setup. Tavares is the man in form, but Latkovic’s runs from deep could be a surprise factor if Varazdin get space to counter.

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My take on the Match

All signs point to a high-scoring affair dominated by Dinamo Zagreb. The combination of home advantage, attacking firepower, and tactical cohesion makes them overwhelming favourites. Varazdin have shown resilience and have players capable of causing problems on the break, but their defensive discipline will be severely tested. My main pick is Dinamo Zagreb -1.5 Asian Handicap. Expect Dinamo to dictate the pace, create a flurry of chances, and likely keep a clean sheet—unless Tavares can produce a moment of magic for the visitors. The gulf in squad depth and recent form is simply too large to ignore.

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