Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce Prediction 24.09.2025 | Europa League

After seeing their eight-year stranglehold on domestic supremacy broken last term—surrendering the title to Rijeka on goal difference—Dinamo Zagreb had to settle for a runners-up finish, which denied them a Champions League berth but secured direct entry into UEFA’s second-tier competition.

The Blues’ determined push to instantly restore their domestic dominance has taken shape in confident fashion, as five wins, one draw and a single defeat from their opening seven assignments have propelled them straight to the summit of the league table.

Entering the weekend’s top-of-the-table showdown with Hajduk slightly out of form after back-to-back games without a win, Mario Kovacevic’s side responded in style, sealing a composed 2-0 success away from home and jumping to the top of the table.

Dinamo Zagreb may not rank among the hottest contenders for a top-eight finish in the league stage, but the Croatian giants are far from pushovers, having showcased their pedigree by advancing beyond the group phase in three successive Europa League campaigns.

While Luka Stojkovic serves a two-match domestic suspension, the winger will still be available for midweek European duty, but Raul Torrente remains sidelined with a serious ACL injury.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce launch their 2025-26 Europa League campaign with a fresh face on the touchline, as Domenico Tedesco takes over the reins from Jose Mourinho, who paid the price for failing to guide the club into Europe’s top-tier competition.

It’s fair to say that Tedesco’s start at the helm of the Yellow Canaries has fallen short of fans’ expectations, as the Italian manager secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Trabzonspor on his debut before witnessing his side stumble through back-to-back draws against Alanyaspor and Kasimpasa.

While Fenerbahce have yet to taste defeat in the 2025-26 Super Lig, their underwhelming start of three triumphs and three stalemates from six outings sees them trailing title rivals Galatasaray by three points, but with a game more played.

While Fener will be looking to regain momentum and kickstart their quest for a Europa League knockout spot, their patchy away form this season makes them a tricky side to back on Thursday, having turned only one of their opening five trips into a win.

After being sent off in the UCL qualifier against Benfica, Talisca serves a one-match European ban and will miss the clash with Dinamo Zagreb, while Colombian forward Jhon Duran remains sidelined with an injury.