Viking
Dinamo Zagreb
>Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb Predictions, Picks & Odds – 26/08/2026
Champions League · Play-offsViking vs Dinamo Zagreb – Best bets of the match
Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb Preview
Viking FK welcome Dinamo Zagreb to SR-Bank Arena knowing a place in the Champions League league phase is within touching distance. The Norwegian champions, back in European football's elite competition for the first time since 1992, showed tremendous character in the first leg by recovering from two goals down to earn a creditable draw in Zagreb. Co-head coach Morten Jensen has stressed the importance of defensive solidity and clinical set-piece work to unsettle their more experienced opponents.
Dinamo Zagreb arrive in Stavanger riding a remarkable 24-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, having plundered 16 goals in their last five outings. The Croatian giants are chasing a tenth appearance in the Champions League group or league phase, and their prolific attack, averaging nearly three goals per game in qualifying, makes them a formidable proposition. Coach Mario Kovačević reported a fully fit squad ahead of the first leg, and that depth of resources could prove decisive in this winner-takes-all second leg.
The first leg finished 2-2 in Zagreb, and that result hands Dinamo the advantage of two away goals heading into this decisive second leg. Viking showed tremendous character to recover from a two-goal deficit inside ten minutes, with Peter Christiansen and captain Zlatko Tripić dragging them level before the break. Yet conceding twice so early exposed defensive frailties that Dinamo will look to exploit again at SR-Bank Arena.
Dinamo Zagreb's 24-match unbeaten run across all competitions is not a statistic to dismiss lightly. They have scored 16 goals in their last five fixtures, averaging close to three goals per game in Champions League qualifying. Their European pedigree, chasing a tenth appearance in the competition's main phase, gives them a composure Viking simply cannot replicate. The away win price at 2.59 reflects that quality, while the draw at 3.53 also offers value.
Our recommended selection is X2, covering the draw or an away win, given Dinamo's relentless form and vast continental experience. Viking's co-head coach Morten Jensen acknowledged the need to be rock-solid defensively, but their first-leg collapse suggests that remains aspirational. With over 2.5 goals at N/A also worth considering given both sides' attacking output in Zagreb, this tie looks set for goals and a Dinamo-flavoured outcome.
Trends to Know about Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb
- Dinamo unbeaten in 24 consecutive matches
- Zagreb scored 16 goals in five
- Viking without European pedigree since 1992
Form & Statistics: Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb
Viking
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Dinamo Zagreb
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb
Viking
Starters
- 1 Arild Østbø
- 2 Sondre Flem Bjørshol
- 3 Henrik Heggheim
- 4 Jesper Daland
- 5 Vetle Auklend
- 6 Kristoffer Askildsen
- 7 Simen Kvia Egeskog
- 8 Ruben Kristensen Alte
- 9 Zlatko Tripić
- 10 Peter Christiansen
- 11 Tobias Moi
Bench
- Romano Postema
- Herman Haugen
- Jakob Segadal Hansen
- Viljar Vevatne
- Edvin Austbø
- Niklas Fuglestad
- Ola Visted
- Amin Cosic
- Ľubomír Belko
Absent
- Gianni Stensness (injury)
- Veton Berisha (injury)
- Anders Bærtelsen (injury)
- Martin Ove Roseth (injury)
- Henrik Falchener (unavailable)
- Joe Bell (unavailable)
Dinamo Zagreb
Starters
- 1 Ivan Nevistić
- 2 Matteo Perez Vinlöf
- 3 Scott Mckenna
- 4 Stjepan Radeljić
- 5 Sergi Dominguez
- 6 Josip Mišić
- 7 Miha Zajc
- 8 Mateo Lisica
- 9 Lukas Kacavenda
- 10 Arber Hoxha
- 11 Dion Drena Beljo
Bench
- Sven Sunta
- Paul Tabinas
- Niko Galesic
- Robert Mudrazija
- Smail Prevljak
- Mislav Orsic
- Bruno Goda
- Fran Topic
- Danijel Zagorac
- Moris Valincic
- Luka Stojkovic
Absent
- Bruno Petkovic (injury)
- Ivan Filipovic (red card suspension)
- Aleks Stojakovic (foot injury)
- Gabriel Vidović (left the club)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculated tag here, so treat the formations as educated projections rather than confirmed team sheets. Viking line up in a 4-3-3 with Zlatko Tripić expected to provide the creative spark wide, while Dinamo Zagreb counter with a more structured 4-2-3-1 built around midfield control.
The 4-2-3-1 versus 4-3-3 match-up sets a compact Croatian double pivot against Viking's three-man midfield, a battle that could determine territorial dominance across both legs. Dion Drena Beljo leads the Zagreb attack, and how Viking's centre-backs handle his movement will be central to the tie.
Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb Match?
What time is Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb?
Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb kicks off at SR-Bank Arena on 26 August 2026 at 20:00 local time.
Where is Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb being played?
This Champions League play-off second leg takes place at SR-Bank Arena in Stavanger, Norway.
How Can I Watch Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb on TV and Live Stream?
Fans can watch Viking vs Dinamo Zagreb live on channels broadcasting Champions League qualifying fixtures in their region.