Viking FK vs. Dinamo Zagreb – News and Probable Lineups

Viking FK is on the brink of making history as they host Dinamo Zagreb in Stavanger this Wednesday night to finalize their Champions League playoff clash.

With the first leg ending in a draw last week, Viking FK has yet to advance to the group or league stage of Europe’s elite competition, while Dinamo aims to qualify for the second time in three years.

Match overview

Viking’s Champions League journey, their first since 1992 when they were eliminated by Barcelona in the first round, began poorly as they found themselves two goals down within the opening ten minutes last week.

Historically, the Norwegian side has been unsuccessful in their previous seven two-legged UEFA ties, including a defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir in last year’s Conference League qualifiers, leaving them facing the prospect of another early exit.

However, they made a remarkable recovery, stunning Stadion Maksimir with a fantastic goal from Peter Christiansen, followed by captain Zlatko Tripic striking to level the match just before the break.

Thus, the Stavanger outfit remains very much in the chase for one of the seven remaining spots in this season’s league phase; even if they lose, they will still secure a place in the Europa League.

Driven by sporting director Erik Nevland and joint head coaches Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen, Viking earned the chance to compete at this level by ending Bodo/Glimt’s domestic supremacy last season.

After a 34-year wait for silverware, they clinched the Eliteserien title and now sit just one point behind table-toppers Bodo, with a record of 13 wins, one draw, and three losses.

While Viking FK’s league fixture was postponed to improve their Champions League prospects, Dinamo was back in domestic play over the weekend, defeating NK Varazdin 3-1.

Top scorer Dion Drena Beljo found the net once again as the Zagreb side came from behind to maintain their perfect start, boasting three victories from three matches.

Last season, Dinamo clinched their 26th Croatian championship title, complementing it with a domestic cup for an additional double, and are aiming for their 10th entry into the Champions League group or league phase.

They began their qualifying campaign in round two, narrowly overcoming surprise Swiss champions Thun after extra time, followed by a comfortable 7-1 aggregate victory over Kauno Zalgiris in round three.

In last week’s first leg, they quickly established a two-goal advantage with efforts from Beljo and Mateo Lisica, but Viking responded promptly.

Then, a late volley from Mislav Orsic struck the post, hit the back of goalkeeper Arild Ostbo, and narrowly went behind for a corner, highlighting their misfortune.

Despite this, history indicates that Croatia’s most successful club can still advance: Dinamo has triumphed in all but three of their last 24 Champions League qualifying encounters.

Team News

Viking FK will be without Danish defender Anders Baertelsen, who suffered a foot injury during training earlier this month, as well as Martin Ove Roseth and Veton Berisha due to injuries.

Peter Christiansen is expected to spearhead the host’s attack, complemented by his fellow scorer from Zagreb, team captain Zlatko Tripic.

Tripic, who was born in Croatia but has represented Norway, has consistently reached double figures for both goals and assists over the last three seasons.

On the other hand, Dinamo will rely on Beljo to lead their attack, having begun the season with six goals across all competitions; midfielder Lukas Kacavenda has already netted three in Champions League qualifying.

Fran Topic, Luka Stojkovic, and Miha Zajc were fitness concerns for Saturday’s league match, but only Stojkovic missed the action, as Kovacevic made several changes.

Ivan Nevistic stepped in for suspended goalkeeper Ivan Filipovic in last week’s first leg and also started against Varazdin, so it remains to be seen who will be selected for the match in Norway.

Viking FK probable starting XI:

Ostbo; Heggheim, Stensness, Falchener, Haugen; Askildsen, Bell, Moi; Tripic, Christiansen, Austbo

Dinamo Zagreb probable starting XI:

Nevistic; Valincic, Dominguez, McKenna, Perez Vinlof; Kacavenda, Misic, Zajc; Lisica, Beljo, Orsic

Undefeated this season, Dinamo presents an experienced squad, having participated in the Champions League’s inaugural league phase and reaching the Europa League’s knockout stages last season.

The Croatian champions might have let Viking FK off the hook in Zagreb, but they are unlikely to repeat that mistake.