Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris predictions: Underdogs could stand firm until half-time
James Milton
Dinamo Zagreb won the Croatian league title for the 26th time in 2025-26
Kauno Zalgiris beat Drita of Kosovo and Ki Klaksvik of the Faroe Islands in the first two qualifying rounds
Recommended bet: Tie/Dinamo Zagreb Half Time/Full Time at 29/10 with LiveScore Bet
Dinamo Zagreb outclassed their rivals in last season's Croatian top flight and they are hot favourites to beat Kauno Zalgiris in the third round of Champions League qualifying.
Croatian champions Dinamo finished 18 points clear of runners-up Hajduk Split but needed extra-time to edge past Thun 4-3 on aggregate in their previous qualifying tie.
The latest Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Team news
Dinamo Zagreb are missing summer signing Aleks Stojakovic, who has a foot injury. Right-back Moris Valincic should return after sitting out the weekend league win over Slaven and the in-form Dion Beljo is set to lead the line.
Kauno Zalgiris midfielder Leo Ribeiro will be assessed after coming off at half-time in the away leg against Ki Klaksvik.
The latest Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
The stats
Dinamo Zagreb were trailing at half-time in both legs of their tie against Thun.
Dinamo have won 18 of their last 22 league matches.
There were over 3.5 goals in seven of Dinamo's 10 Europa League games last season.
Both teams scored in only one of Kauno Zalgiris's last five matches.
There were under 2.5 goals in three of Kauno Zalgiris's four Champions League qualifying ties this term.
Kauno Zalgiris have won only three of their last 13 league matches.
The latest Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb claimed a record-extending 26th title in Croatia in 2025-26 but Tuesday's opponents Kauno Zalgiris were crowned champions of Lithuania for the very first time last year.
They are guaranteed a place in the league phase of the Conference League after coming through two rounds of Champions League qualifying.
Kauno Zalgiris made a strong start to their title defence, winning six of their first seven league matches in February, March and April.
Since then, though, they have claimed only three victories in 13 domestic fixtures and it could be a case of damage limitation for the visitors in Zagreb.
Dinamo are overwhelming favourites to take a first-leg lead in the tie although they started slowly in both games against Thun in the second qualifying round.
They needed an 86th-minute equaliser from Miha Zajc to earn a 1-1 draw in Switzerland and trailed 2-0 at half-time in the second leg at home.
A red card for Thun defender Marco Burki turned the tie on its head and Dinamo were able to seal a 4-3 aggregate victory thanks to Moris Valincic's 112th-minute goal.
They may need a patient approach before breaking down Kauno Zalgiris, who conceded only one first-half goal in four qualifying ties against Drita and Ki Klaksvik.
Score prediction: Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 Kauno Zalgiris
Back Tie/Dinamo Zagreb Half Time/Full Time, available at 29/10 with LiveScore Bet.
The latest Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris odds are available on LiveScore Bet.
