Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking prediction 18.08.2026 | Champions League

GNK Dinamo Zagreb prepares for this one on the back of a commanding 4-0 domestic triumph against NK Rudeš. Mario Kovačević's men currently sit second in the league with a perfect record, having comfortably handled their opening two domestic fixtures with nine goals scored and none conceded.

It's a massive playoff tie for the group stage of the Champions League, and their European qualification form has been equally stellar.

They fought past FC Thun 4-3 on aggregate in the second qualifying round before completely dismantling Kauno Žalgiris 7-1 in the third round. On home soil, the Croatian giants are on a four match winning run, turning Maksimir Stadium into a genuine fortress.

Vital new signing Dion Drena Beljo has adapted instantly, bagging a brilliant brace last time out. Only Aleks Stojakovic misses out through injury.

Viking FK enters this one on the back of a tough 2-1 away defeat against Rosenborg. The Dark Blues have enjoyed a brilliant domestic run overall, though, sitting second in the Eliteserien table after racking up back to back wins prior to that slip-up.

Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim’s men are already seventeen games deep into their summer league calendar, giving them a massive fitness edge for this playoff tie for the group stage of the Champions League.

On their travels, the Norwegian outfit has shown mixed resilience. They've found wins hard to come by lately, going winless in three of their last five away assignments across all competitions.

Talismanic forward Peter Christiansen remains their ultimate main man, boasting nine league goals after finding the net last weekend.

However, midfield anchor Joe Bell and defender Anders Bærtelsen are major injury absentees. Personally, their missing core makes this a brutal road test.