D. Zagreb vs PAOK prediction: EUROPE: Europa Conference League – Play Offs betting tips on match 2024-03-06 20:00.
For the third time since 2018, Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb have reached the last 16 stage of a major European competition after they produced a shock to beat Real Betis 2-1 in the UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) play-off round. After claiming a 1-0 away win in Seville, the Blues held their nerve to get over the line in the return leg and now only PAOK stand between them and a first European quarter final appearance since 2020/21.
Now unbeaten across their last nine competitive fixtures (W6, D3), Dinamo are seemingly hitting their stride at the perfect time as they look for both domestic and European success in their battle to win the Croatian top-flight. With all six of those victories during that run coming ‘to nil’, producing another strong defensive showing here at Stadion Maksimir will likely be the best way to secure a first leg advantage.
PAOK arrive in Croatia in strong form of their own, winning each of their last three competitive outings which has helped them to return to the summit of the Greek Super League. Their imperious UECL group stage performance assured their progression to the Round of 16, as they topped Group G with ease, remaining unbeaten across their six outings (W5, D1).
The Greek outfit also hold a 100% H2H record in this fixture which should boost confidence even further, winning both of the previous meetings between these sides 1-0 during the 2010/11 Europa League. A second quarter-final appearance in this competition beckons if they keep that record up, and their strong away form certainly suggests that PAOK are in with a good chance, as they’ve won 11 of their last 13 road trips in all competitions (L2).
Players to watch: Dinamo Zagreb’s Bruno Petković has scored 14 goals across all competitions this season, five of which have come in the UECL, with four of those coming on home soil. Looking to upstage him will be Kiril Despodov, who has netted 12 competitive goals for PAOK this term, with both of his UECL goals coming on the road.
Hot stat: 13 of PAOK’s 16 UECL goals this season have come in the second half of matches.