Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction 23.10.2024 | Champions League

• Competition: Champions League
• Date: 23.10.2024
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21:00 CEST
• Venue: Red Bull Arena (Salzburg)

Two teams with a lot to prove will meet in this crucial Champions League matchup, each desperate to turn their seasons around.

Salzburg has had a disastrous start, far below expectations. Facing Sparta Prague and Brest, they were expected to be competitive but instead suffered two humiliating defeats, conceding seven goals without reply. The problems don’t stop there. Their domestic form has been equally worrying, highlighted by a 5:0 thrashing at the hands of reigning champions Sturm Graz. Despite this, the club's management has continued to support coach Pepijin Lijnders. A narrow 2:1 win over Altach in their last Bundesliga match brought a glimmer of hope, but it took a late rally to secure the result.

Dinamo Zagreb hasn’t fared much better. Domestically, they sit in third place, four points behind league leaders Hajduk Split, while their Champions League campaign has been rocky. They opened with a crushing 9:3 defeat to Bayern Munich, one of the most lopsided results in the club's European history. However, they did manage to bounce back by drawing Monaco, a game they should have won if not for a last-minute penalty. To make matters worse, they dropped points again over the weekend, drawing 0:0 with Istra 1961 in a frustrating game that left them heading into this away fixture with low confidence.

Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb pick: SALZBURG TO WIN

For both teams, this game is about more than just points. It is a chance to rebuild confidence and keep their European dreams alive. These clubs have a long history of encounters in European competitions, with Salzburg generally getting the better of Dinamo. Since 2009, they’ve faced off eight times, and Salzburg has come out on top in four matches, with only one win for Dinamo and two draws.

This might not be the strongest Salzburg side we have seen in recent years, but even so, they come into this match as firm favorites. Dinamo Zagreb has consistently struggled to earn points away from home in the Champions League, and Salzburg will be determined to deliver a strong performance after their disappointing start. With the home advantage and the need to bounce back, Salzburg looks set to claim their first win of the campaign.