Preview: Maksimir set for an intense Croatian clash
Stadion Maksimir will hum again on 1 November as Dinamo Zagreb host Rijeka in a Round 12 fixture that could shape the momentum in the early run of the 2025/2026 1. HNL season. Dinamo arrive with the weight of expectation: second in the table, 22 points from 11 games and a potent attack that has found the net 22 times so far. Rijeka, sitting seventh with 14 points, come in on the back of an encouraging 4-2 win over Osijek — a result that showcased their ability to hurt opponents on the break and put pressure on Dinamo’s defence.
Dinamo’s recent form reads as a mixed bag — they’ve won seven of 11 league outings but have been vulnerable at times, dropping a shock 1-0 loss to Vukovar in their last outing where Ismaël Bennacer stood out with the best player rating for his side despite the defeat. Rijeka, meanwhile, have shown resilience; Duje Cop was the star of their last win and the team’s pattern of three wins, five draws and three losses paints a picture of a side that can grind results and pounce when given space.
Tactical outlook and key statistical edges
On paper, Dinamo’s superiority is clear. Their attacking numbers are impressive: 175 total shots, 66 on target, and an average of 127.18 attacks per game. Home goal returns (13 scored, 4 conceded) underline their comfort in front of home fans at Maksimir, and five clean sheets signal defensive control in many matches. Rijeka’s figures are respectable — 165 total shots and 45 shots on target across the season — but their away record shows vulnerability: conceding 7 goals away and keeping just three clean sheets suggests they can be picked apart by a high-volume side.
The head-to-head from August offers context: Dinamo beat Rijeka 2-0 in Rijeka’s own stadium earlier in the season, a result that will boost Dinamo’s confidence and remind Rijeka of the challenge ahead. Bookmakers reflect that gap — the home win is priced at 1.48 (probability 67.57%), while a draw and an away win sit at 4.00 and 6.00 respectively.
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Prediction and betting suggestion
Dinamo Zagreb look set to dominate possession and create the better chances at Maksimir. Given their strong home scoring record, the superior shot volumes, and the clear bookmaker lean toward a home victory, the recommended bet is on the 1X2 market: back Dinamo Zagreb to win. The odds of 1.48 reflect a high probability outcome, but the value lies in staking responsibly — this is a confidence pick, not a long-shot play