Monaco looking to end seven-game winless away run in visit to Zagreb.
Dinamo Zagreb vs
Monaco
As Dinamo Zagreb seeks redemption from a record-breaking defeat, AS Monaco aims to extend their Champions League triumph over Croatian teams at Stadion Maksimir in a clash of renewed ambition and historical dominance.
Dinamo Zagreb
Matchday 1 was a disaster for Dinamo Zagreb as Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich secured a sweeping 9-2 victory. This defeat set a new UEFA Champions League record, marking the first time a team has scored nine goals in a single match.
Since that crushing loss, Zagreb has found some footing, winning two of their next three games in all competitions [LWW]. Their recent 5-1 win over NK Lokomotiva Zagreb may boost their confidence, but they face a daunting challenge against Monaco.
Historically, Zagreb has struggled against French teams, with no wins in their last 12 meetings with Ligue 1 sides [0W, 2D, 10L]. Additionally, Zagreb's defense in Europe raises concerns, having conceded 14 goals in their previous two major continental matches.
A repeat defensive lapse could make them just the second team in Champions League history to concede 10 goals in their first two games. Bruno Petković, a scorer against Bayern, is expected to lead in a 4-5-1 formation.
Zagreb will miss Dino Perić and Mauro Perković, both sidelined with knee injuries, as they prepare for their upcoming match.
Monaco
In stark contrast, Monaco opened their Champions League campaign with a shock 2-1 win over Hansi Flick’s high-flying Barcelona on Matchday 1. The French side hasn’t slowed down since, securing back-to-back league victories while sitting level on points with Paris Saint-Germain, who are at the summit of Ligue 1.
With their attention now turning back to Europe, Monaco will be keen to extend their winning streak. Although this will be their first-ever meeting with a Croatian team in European competition, Monaco can take inspiration from their domestic dominance.
In addition, French clubs have won seven of their previous eight UEFA Champions League encounters with Croatian sides [7W, 1D, 0L], all against Dinamo Zagreb. However, Monaco’s poor away form in Europe remains a concern.
They have won just one of their last 11 Champions League away fixtures [1W, 4D, 6L] and are winless in their last seven [0W, 3D, 4L], with their last victory on the road coming in a 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in April 2017.
Manager Adi Hütter is expected to stick with a 4-5-1 setup, having Breel Embolo leading the attack. The squad will be without Edan Diop and Radosław Majecki, both sidelined due to injuries.
