Bayern Munich is set to kick off their 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign with a home clash against Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
As Bayern Munich begins their 17th consecutive season in Europe’s premier club competition, they’ll be eager to maintain their impressive form. The Croatian champions, Dinamo Zagreb, are looking to make a strong impression on the European stage after once again topping the Supersport HNL.
Bayern Munich’s remarkable streak in the Champions League has seen them reach the knockout stages consistently for 17 years. They’ve been unbeaten in their last 40 group-stage matches, with 36 wins to their name. Before a draw against Copenhagen last season, Bayern set a record with 17 consecutive group-stage victories.
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb
Last season, Bayern navigated through the group stage and overcame Lazio and Arsenal in the knockout rounds, setting up a thrilling semi-final showdown with Real Madrid. Despite a valiant effort, Bayern were knocked out by Real Madrid after a dramatic second-leg comeback, ending Thomas Tuchel’s tenure on a disappointing note.
Domestically, Bayern faced a rare setback last season, finishing third behind Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart. It was the first time in over a decade that they had been dethroned in the Bundesliga. To rejuvenate the squad, Bayern turned to former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, who has led them to four consecutive wins in all competitions this season.
In their latest match, Bayern delivered a stunning 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel, with Jamal Musiala scoring just 14 seconds in and England’s Harry Kane netting a hat-trick, celebrating his 100th cap for his country.
Dinamo Zagreb, on the other hand, faces a challenging task as they prepare to meet Bayern for the first time since 2015. In their previous encounters, Bayern secured victories in both matches, with Robert Lewandowski scoring five goals. Although Dinamo Zagreb has dominated domestically, their European record has been less impressive, finishing last in seven of their recent Champions League group stages.
After clinching their record 25th HNL title and 13th domestic double, Dinamo Zagreb earned their spot in the revamped Champions League format by defeating Qarabag in the playoffs.
Stay tuned as The Hard Tackle delves into the possible lineups and strategies for this highly anticipated matchup.
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Team News & Tactics
Bayern Munich
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
- Defenders: Joshua Kimmich (right-back), Kim Min-jae and Dayot Upamecano (center-backs), Raphaël Guerreiro (left-back)
- Midfielders: Alexander Pavlovic and Joao Palhinha (defensive midfielders), Jamal Musiala (attacking midfield)
- Wingers: Kingsley Coman (right wing), Serge Gnabry (left wing)
- Striker: Harry Kane
Injuries: Josip Stanisic (knee), Tarek Buchmann (thigh), Hiroki Ito (foot)
Kane, coming off a standout performance with a hat-trick, will be central to Bayern’s attack. Musiala’s creativity and the pace of Coman and Gnabry should offer plenty of challenges for Dinamo Zagreb’s defense. The midfield duo of Pavlovic and Palhinha will be crucial in controlling the game and supporting both defense and attack.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Kim, Upamecano, Guerreiro; Pavlovic, Palhinha; Coman, Musiala, Gnabry; Kane
Dinamo Zagreb
In Dinamo Zagreb’s anticipated 4-2-3-1 formation, Ivan Nevistić will take his place in goal. He’ll be shielded by a back four consisting of Stefan Ristovski at right-back, Kevin Théophile-Catherine and Samy Mmaee as the center-backs, and Ronaël Pierre-Gabriel completing the defense on the left.
In midfield, captain Arijan Ademi will anchor the defensive midfield alongside Petar Sučić, providing stability and facilitating the transition from defense to attack. Roberto Cordoba is expected to start on the right wing, with Martin Baturina playing a more advanced central role, and Marko Pjaca positioned on the left wing to inject creativity and attacking impetus.
Up front, Croatian striker Bruno Petković will lead the attack for Dinamo Zagreb, supported by his teammates as the primary goal-scoring threat. Coach Sergej Jakirović might make tactical tweaks following the loss to Hajduk Split, potentially introducing Sandro Kulenović, who has been in prolific form with five goals in six league games, as an impactful option from the bench.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Nevistic; Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Mmaee, Pierre-Gabriel; Ademi, Sucic; Cordoba, Baturina, Pjaca; Petkovic
Key Stats
- This will be the fifth meeting between Bayern Munich and Dinamo Zagreb in European competition. Their most recent encounters were in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League group stage, where Bayern won both home and away.
- Dinamo Zagreb won 4-1 in their first away game against Bayern Munich during the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1963. However, in their last visit to Munich in September 2015, they were defeated 5-0 by Bayern.
- In their previous UEFA Champions League home game against Dinamo Zagreb in 2015, Bayern Munich dominated with 77% possession, took 27 shots, and made 51 touches in Dinamo’s penalty area. Dinamo Zagreb managed just six shots and five touches in Bayern’s penalty area.
- Among teams with 50+ games played in the UEFA Champions League, Bayern Munich has the second-highest win percentage at 59.5%, trailing only Real Madrid (60%).
- Dinamo Zagreb has the lowest win percentage among teams with 50+ games in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, standing at just 13% (7 wins out of 52 games).
Player to Watch
Harry Kane
Harry Kane has quickly become a pivotal player for Bayern Munich following his summer transfer from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023. Renowned for his sharp finishing, smart positioning, and adept link-up play, Kane has made an immediate impact in the Bundesliga, including a hat-trick in Bayern’s recent 6-1 victory over Holstein Kiel.
With five goals in just three games this season, Kane’s influence has been profound. His ability to both score and create chances makes him the central figure in Bayern’s attack.
As Bayern Munich embarks on their UEFA Champions League campaign, Kane will be under the spotlight to continue his excellent form.
Bayern Munich vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction
Bayern Munich 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb
Given Bayern Munich’s history of dominance in the Champions League group stage and Dinamo Zagreb’s challenges in Europe, a comfortable win for the home side seems highly probable. Bayern’s formidable attack, spearheaded by stars like Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala, is likely to overwhelm the Croatian team, despite Dinamo’s domestic prowess.
How to Watch
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV.
