AEK Athens vs GNK Dinamo Zagreb Prediction & Betting Tips - Champions League

Prediction published on 18/08/2023, 01:01  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 19/08/2023 at 06:45 in Champions League Prediction

AEK Athens host Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie. The Greek side lead the tie 2-1 after a late winner secured victory in Zagreb. They were due to host the first leg but the tragic death of a fan saw the first leg moved to Zagreb. The winners of this tie will face Antwerp for a place in the Champions League group stages. AEK Athens will be delighted with returning from Zagreb with a one-goal lead. They trailed in the first half but struck twice in the second to win the match 2-1. AEK last reached the group stages of the Chsmpions League in the 2018-19 season, when finishing bottom. Not surprising as they were up against Bayern Munich, Ajax and Benfica, losing all six games. Last season saw them lose in the second qualifying round of the Conference League to Valez Mostar but they did win the home leg and only lost the tie on penalties, Only one of their last seven home matches in qualifying rounds has been lost.

Dinamo Zagreb will be disappointing at giving away a lead in the home leg and even more so in losing the game. They are sixth in their domestic league but the Croatians have only four points from their first three games. The second qualifying round of the Champions League saw them get a comfortable 6-0 aggregate win over Astana from Kazakhstan. They are bidding to reach the Champions League group stages for the second successive season. Zagreb finished bottom of their group last season but did beat Chelsea at home. Away form was their downfall with all three matches being lost. Four of their lasr five away games in European football have all ended in defeat. We go for AEK to get the home win here.