Dinamo Zagreb vs. Salzburg: A Clash of Two European Powerhouses
Background
On Thursday, August 18th, 2022, Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb will lock horns with Austrian giants Salzburg in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie. Both teams have enjoyed domestic dominance in recent years, with Dinamo winning the Croatian league for the past five seasons and Salzburg claiming the Austrian Bundesliga title for the last nine years.
The match will be played at the Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, Croatia, and is expected to be a closely contested affair. Dinamo Zagreb will be looking to make a statement in their first Champions League campaign in two years, while Salzburg will be aiming to continue their impressive run in the competition.
Team News
Dinamo Zagreb will be without the services of several key players for the match against Salzburg. Midfielder Luka Ivanusec is suspended, while defender Josip Sutalo and forward Mislav Orsic are both doubts due to injury. Salzburg, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad to choose from.
Key Players
Dinamo Zagreb will be relying on the likes of midfielder Arijan Ademi and forward Bruno Petkovic to provide the attacking spark. Ademi has been in impressive form for Dinamo this season, scoring five goals in seven appearances in all competitions. Petkovic, meanwhile, is Dinamo's all-time leading goalscorer and will be looking to add to his tally against Salzburg.
Salzburg, meanwhile, will be looking to their star striker Karim Adeyemi to lead the line. Adeyemi has been in sensational form for Salzburg this season, scoring 12 goals in 11 appearances in all competitions. The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Europe and will be looking to make a name for himself on the big stage against Dinamo Zagreb.
Prediction
This is a tough match to call, but I think Salzburg will edge it. They have a more experienced squad and have been in impressive form in the Champions League in recent years. Dinamo Zagreb will be no pushovers, but I think Salzburg will have too much quality for them.
Komentar