Dinamo Zagreb vs Kauno Zalgiris prediction 04.08.2026 | Champions League qualification

Dinamo Zagreb have a Bayern-like dominance with eight domestic league titles in the last nine seasons. Also, they are regular in international competitions, but after one year in the Europa League, Mario Kovacevic's team wants to return to the Champions League. Dinamo Zagreb were close to losing their chances already in the previous round, when they were two goals down against Thun, but the Croatian champions scored three goals and secured victory after extra time.

On Friday, Dinamo Zagreb started their domestic championship with a 2-0 victory against Slaven Belupo. Kovacevic's team dominated, and it wouldn't be undeserved if they scored more goals. After an encouraging performance, Dinamo will welcome Kauno Zalgiris with a lot of confidence.

After Dinamo's victory in the Croatian league, the head coach Mario Kovacevic talked about the upcoming match against Kauno Zalgiris. He said, "We only watched their latest match against the opponents from the Faroe Islands. There are no easy opponents nowadays. Sopić knows us, and I can see that he is doing a good job with them. This is the greatest achievement in their club's history. They will come here highly motivated and eager to achieve something more. We have to be careful. But I know that we will improve from game to game."

Luka Stojkovic missed the games against Thun due to suspension, but he returned to the starting lineup in the opening round of the national league and should start on Tuesday night. With his return, Dinamo Zagreb should have a full squad available.

Last season, Kauno Zalgiris won their first domestic league title. Now, they are on course for another, as they are at the top of the standings in Toplyga in 2026, too. Kauno Zalgiris never played in any group phase in the international competition, and with progress to the third Champions League qualifying round, they have already secured at least a Conference League appearance. So far this summer, Kauno Zalgiris knocked out Drita (4-3 on aggregate) and Klaksvik (1-0). 

Kauno Zalgiris are in excellent form. They won four of the previous five games across all competitions. In the previous outing, Kauno Zalgiris won 1-0 at home against Klaksvik. The teams were pretty even throughout the match, but the hosts found the net, and that was enough for a victory and progress to the next phase. 

Yukiyoshi Karashima is questionable, and his status for the game in Zagreb will be clearer closer to the kickoff.