Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb
2016/ 17 Champions League Play-Off.
Date: Wednesday, 24 August, 2016.
Kick-Off: 19:45 UK,
Venue: Salzburg Arena (Wals-Siezenheim).
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It is everything to play for in the return leg at Austria when Red Bull Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb resume their Champions League play-off tie after a 1-1 stalemate in the first leg.
A Marko Rog penalty rescued Zagreb from a defeat against Salzburg cancelling out Valentino Lazaro 59th goal when the two teams met at the Stadion Maksimir a week ago. It was an open contest by all means and the Austrians will be the more satisfied team after taking the decider to Austria without any damage. However, Salzburg must look to win here as a high scoring draw favours Dinamo to progress. A 0-0 draw or a win by any margin could earn Red Bull their first ever ticket to the group stages of the Champions League.
Dinamo Zagreb made it to the group stages of the Champions League last season. Despite starting off with a 2-1 home win against Arsenal, they finished bottom of the group failing to win in rest of their matches. The win also remains to be their only win in 18 Champions League group-stage matches until today.
Red Bull Salzburg are appearing in their 12th Champions League qualifying campaign. They reached the play-off stage on four occasions and failed to got past the stage.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb: Head-to-Head Stats
Red Bull Salzburg are undefeated in five competitive matches against Dinamo Zagreb with 2 wins and 3 draws.
During their meeting in the group stages of 2014/15 Europa League, Salzburg won 4-2 at home and 5-1 in Zagreb.
In the 2009/10 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, Salzburg send Zagreb packing after a 2-1 away win in the second leg after the first leg clash end in a 1-1 draw.
Dinamo Zagreb have a poor record against teams from Austria as they managed just 3 wins from 14 matches, while they lost 6 and drawn 5. Also, they have won only once in 7 trips to Austria, with 3 draws and 3 losses.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb: Prediction
This particular match has the potential to be go into a dramatic finish. Salzburg must win or hold Zagreb to a 0-0 draw, while anything other than this will send the Croatian side to the groups stages. The Austrians have never lost to Zagreb in five matches and they have a perfect opportunity to make history in front of their home fans. It remains to be seen if nerves and in-experience plays an important role here.
Both teams are in good form and are well equipped in their attacking department. Both teams have scored in every meeting between these two sides and this will be my recommended bet for this fixture. I do believe this match will see more goals than the first leg clash, so I will be also backing over 2.5 goals.
Red Bull Salzburg vs Dinamo Zagreb: Tips
- Both Teams to Score at 1.90 (Recommended)
- Over 2.5 goals at 1.95.
- Over 0.5 goals in First Half at 1.40.
