Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb will host Cyprus's AC Omonia on Tuesday night in the Champions League second qualifying round. The two sides are a part of the Champions path in the tournament and seeking the chance to reach the group stage.
Dinamo Zagreb last reached the Champions League group stage in 2019-20. They had to go through the qualifying rounds to make the competition, which must occur once more. Last season, Dinamo Zagreb competed in the Europa League.
They reached the quarterfinals of the tournament before losing to eventual winners Villarreal. Dinamo Zagreb’s biggest European win came versus Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16 in the Europa League.
Manager Damir Krznar will hope the side can parlay last season’s Europa League success into Champions League achievements. Krznar was appointed manager of Dinamo Zagreb in March of 2021, taking over for Zoran Mamic.
AC Omonia reached the Champions League playoff round last season. They lost to Olympiacos over two legs. Last season was AC Omonia’s first time to play in the Champions League qualifying rounds in 10 years. This will be their second straight season in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
There is no history between Dinamo Zagreb and AC Omonia. Tuesday night’s match will be their first-ever meeting.
Dinamo Zagreb played and defeated Iceland’s Valur over two legs in the Champions League first qualifying round. The Croatians won 3-2 at home before going away and claiming a 2-0 victory.
Krznar’s team got off to a slow start over the weekend in the Croatian domestic league. They lost 2-0 to Slaven at home in a shock defeat.
AC Omonia have not begun the Cyprus league. This will be their first competitive match of the season. Their lack of playing time in competitive matches could be a setback in the Champions League qualifying rounds. AC Omonia did not have to play in the Champions League first qualifying round.
Arijan Ademi scored two goals in the Champions League first qualifying round. Both goals came in the first leg against Valur in the Champions League first qualifying round.
Dinamo Zagreb will be difficult to defeat on Tuesday night. That doesn’t mean the Croatians will claim a win at home versus AC Omonia.
The Croatians played well versus Valur, who lacked talent, in the Champions League first qualifying round. Dinamo Zagreb followed it up with a 2-0 loss last weekend to Slaven.
AC Omonia could get a result away versus Dinamo Zagreb as the two sides play out a score draw on Tuesday night. The game should finish with under 2.5 goals.