Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction: 02.10.2025 UEFA Europa League Preview

As the UEFA Europa League group phase rolls into its early fixtures, all eyes will be fixed on Gradski Stadion in Backa Topola where Maccabi Tel Aviv welcome Dinamo Zagreb. This tie is marked by both teams’ strong recent form and a razor-thin bookmaker prediction split. For those accustomed to paper-thin margins, the 37 percent win probability for Dinamo Zagreb compared to 36 percent for Maccabi Tel Aviv underscores just how finely balanced this contest is. It’s also a tactical reunion, with both sides favoring a 4-2-3-1 formation in their latest outings—expect shape battles in midfield and fullbacks bombing on.

Keep an eye on Dor Peretz for Maccabi Tel Aviv—his three goals in five games embody their midfield thrust and goal threat, while Dinamo Zagreb’s Monsef Bakrar is arguably the most direct danger up front, having bagged three in his club’s last four outings. The creativity of Dejan Ljubičić for Dinamo and Maccabi’s deep-lying playmaker Ido Shahar give both sides a multifaceted attacking dimension. These headliners can make the difference in a contest likely to turn on small moments.

One stat that leaps off the page: Maccabi Tel Aviv have not lost in their last six matches (4 wins, 2 draws), conceding just twice in their last four. That sort of defensive stability could frustrate even the most persistent Croatian pressing units.

🏅Best bets for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Dinamo Zagreb at WinSpirit with a Welcome bonus 100% up to 100$ and 25% Freebet💰

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction

Given the odds and both teams’ consistency, the value play lies with “Both Teams To Score: Yes.” Both attacks have struck ten times in their last five, but defensive fragilities—Dinamo conceding four goals in that span, and Maccabi just two—suggest a well-matched shootout. The presence of prolific midfield scorers (Peretz, Shahar) and reliable forward contributors (Bakrar, Kulenović) supports a prediction of goals from both camps.

Stylistically, both teams bring aggression to the pitch. Maccabi have committed 90 fouls in their last five, earning nine yellows and one red card, signalling combative intent and perhaps a willingness to break up opposition play at all costs. Dinamo Zagreb are not far behind (51 fouls, ten yellows), but their slightly cleaner record could enable better ball retention in periods. Ball progression will be vital: with the Israelis boasting an impressive average pass accuracy of 90 percent, look for them to control phases—though Dinamo’s 86 percent isn’t to be sniffed at. Expect set-pieces to prove pivotal, given the high foul and corner counts on both sheets.

Team Analysis

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Games: Maccabi’s latest outing—a cagey 0-0 against Sakhnin—revealed a side defensively robust but lacking a final ball. Their prior 0-0 with PAOK, a higher-ranked European outfit, was testament to disciplined, collective defending. When they click, as seen in the 4-0 demolition of Hapoel Petah Tikva and the comeback 2-1 win over Hapoel Jerusalem, they bristle with transitional threat and role-swapping midfielders. The 4-2-3-1 setup grants flexibility for quick switches, and their 83 total shots over the last five show a team always looking to create—even if ruthlessness sometimes deserts them.

Dinamo Zagreb Recent Games: Dinamo come into this one off a rousing 4-1 away thrashing of Slaven Belupo—testament to their ability to shift through the gears in attack. Their statement 3-1 win over Fenerbahce in Europe displayed clinical edge, with Bakrar and Kulenović particularly sharp. They’ve kept three clean sheets in their last five yet a blip—a 1-2 home loss to Gorica—does hint at some defensive lapses. Still, their 57 shots in five and an 86 percent pass accuracy underline a focus on incisive movement and getting numbers forward at speed.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Dinamo Zagreb stats for more analysis.

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

• Moneyline Maccabi Tel Aviv 2.67 | Dinamo Zagreb 2.58
• Draw 3.42
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.90 | Under 2.5 1.85
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.72 | No 2.05

It’s a virtual coin toss by bookmaker standards, but Dinamo Zagreb’s marginal edge in European pedigree and attacking form tips the scales ever so slightly. The narrow spread on the moneyline reflects the legitimate home advantage for Maccabi, though Dinamo’s higher draw-no-bet value suggests the market sees them as the more consistent outfit. The over/under and BTTS prices point to an expectation of attacking intent from both, in line with recent performances.

You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.

🏅Tips.GG premium subscription brings you even closer to WIN!🏅

• Gain access to the most profitable bets by using our analysis of over 60,000 monthly predictions from 1000+ sources.
• Premium users enjoy predictions from tipsters with the highest win rate while also gaining access to favorable odds, outcome calculation, and quick filter to favorable odds.
• Unlock the “Golden Bet” – our unique formula for the best high-odd betting opportunities! Get detailed reports on our system’s performance, including Winrate, ROI, and Yield.

Possible Starting Lineups

Maccabi Tel Aviv possible starting eleven

With consistency in defence and creativity in midfield, Maccabi are likely to stick with a 4-2-3-1. Eye-catching players to track: Peretz’s late runs, Camara’s authority at the back, and Shahar’s ability to break the lines and create overloads. Width could be a key theme, partnering overlapping full-backs with inverted wingers for plenty of combination play in the final third.

Dinamo Zagreb possible starting eleven

Dinamo Zagreb’s likely 4-2-3-1 will hinge on a solid spine—watch Mckenna marshal the defence and Ljubičić distribute from deep. Up front, Bakrar’s direct runs and Kulenović’s link-up play can trouble any backline. The combination of technical midfielders and direct forwards means Dinamo are built for swift transitions and exploiting spaces behind Maccabi’s advanced fullbacks.

Best football betting sites and Bonuses

My take on the Match

What a tantalising night in prospect! This feels poised to be an exhibition of modern European football, with tactical discipline offset by attacking verve on both sides. My main pick is “Both Teams To Score: Yes”, with a lean to Dinamo Zagreb on the Draw No Bet market given their slightly superior squad depth and recent continental form. That being said, Maccabi’s discipline and home resilience could easily force a share of the spoils.

Ultimately, this match serves as a microcosm of the Europa League’s allure—fresh matchups, battling styles and the promise of momentum-shifting results. The team that imposes their midfield press and capitalises on transitions should seize an early advantage in the group. As fans, we wouldn’t ask for anything more!

More useful links for football fans

• Daily Football Predictions
• Football Teams Rankings
• Football Matches Today
• Current football tournaments
• Football betting guide by Tips.GG