Kauno Žalgiris vs Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb edge Kauno Žalgiris in tight contest
Two first-half strikes set Dinamo Zagreb on course for a narrow win.
Dinamo Zagreb took control early with goals from L. Kačavenda and J. Mišić before the break, setting a strong foundation. Kauno Žalgiris pulled one back after the break, but it wasn't enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat. This result defied Fipster's low-confidence prediction of a Kauno Žalgiris win, proving the visitors' resilience in this UEFA Champions League clash.
- First leg:
- Dinamo Zagreb 5 0 Kauno Žalgiris
- Aggregate:
- Dinamo Zagreb 7 1 Kauno Žalgiris
- Advances:
- Dinamo Zagreb
Outcome probability
The 3rd qualifying round fixture between Kauno Žalgiris and Dinamo Zagreb promises a tight contest. Both sides have shown glimpses of quality in this competition, but the prediction leans towards a narrow home victory.
Match factors
Kauno Žalgiris defenders unusually prolific scorers
Defenders Slivka and Benchaib have scored multiple goals this season, exceeding league averages for defenders
Miha Zajc in strong scoring form for Dinamo Zagreb
Zajc scored 2 goals in last 2 games, showing high confidence and finishing ability
Benchaib's dual threat as scorer and assister
Benchaib's involvement in goals and assists makes him a key player in Kauno Žalgiris' attack
No confirmed injuries for either team
Both teams have full squads available, so tactical choices will be key
The context
Kauno Žalgiris have played five matches in this competition so far, securing two wins, two draws, and one loss, scoring five goals but conceding eight. Dinamo Zagreb have a slightly shorter campaign with three matches played, unbeaten with one win and two draws, netting eight goals and conceding three. Their previous head-to-head meeting ended in a win for Dinamo Zagreb, adding a bit of spice to this encounter.
Key insights

V. Slivka
Kauno Žalgiris
Slivka's scoring rate of 0.4 goals per game over the last 5 is well above the defender average, making him a key set-piece threat.
2 goals in 1 appearance this season, 0.4 avg per game last 5

A. Benchaib
Kauno Žalgiris
Benchaib contributes both goals and assists, a rare dual threat for a defender, boosting Kauno Žalgiris' attacking options.
1 goal, 1 assist in 1 appearance this season, 0.4 avg goals last 5

M. Zajc
Dinamo Zagreb
Zajc is in strong scoring form with 2 goals in his last 2 games, posing a significant threat to Kauno Žalgiris' defence.
1 goal in 2 appearances this season, 1.0 avg goals last 5
Analysis
The prediction favours a 1-0 win for Kauno Žalgiris, despite Dinamo Zagreb's strong attacking record. The most likely halftime score is 0-0, suggesting a cautious start from both sides. Kauno Žalgiris' defenders, particularly V. Slivka and A. Benchaib, have been unusually prolific this season, contributing goals and assists that could prove decisive. Dinamo's key midfielder M. Zajc is in fine scoring form, but the home side's defensive resilience and set-piece threat might just tip the balance. The expected total of four cards hints at a moderately physical game.
Key facts
- 1.Kauno Žalgiris have played 5 matches in this competition (W2 D2 L1, GF 5 / GA 8).
- 2.Dinamo Zagreb have played 3 matches in this competition (W1 D2 L0, GF 8 / GA 3).
- 3.In 1 head-to-head meeting, Kauno Žalgiris have won 0, Dinamo Zagreb have won 1, with 0 draws.
- 4.Most probable halftime score is 0-0, aligning with a cautious start.
- 5.Predicted total cards count is 4, indicating moderate discipline events.
- 6.Kauno Žalgiris defenders Slivka and Benchaib have been unusually prolific this season.
- 7.Dinamo Zagreb's Miha Zajc has scored 2 goals in his last 2 games.
Prediction
Expect a tight, tactical battle with few clear-cut chances. Kauno Žalgiris are predicted to clinch a narrow 1-0 victory, likely secured by a set-piece or a moment of defensive brilliance from their standout defenders. The halftime scoreline should remain goalless, reflecting the cautious approach both teams might adopt early on.
Player Insights
Standout players Fipster expects to impact the match — curated highlights, not full squad lists
Home — Kauno Žalgiris
Away — Dinamo Zagreb
The verdict
While the odds are finely balanced and the data suggests a close contest, Kauno Žalgiris' home form and defensive contributions give them the edge. Dinamo Zagreb will push hard, but the home side's ability to capitalise on key moments could see them through with a slender 1-0 win.
Form as the teams went into this match — excludes this result and anything since.
Team Comparison
Season shape — attack, defence, form, clean sheets & win rate
Home vs Away comparison
Goal difference in each of the last few fixtures — above the line is a net win, below is a net loss
Season comparison
Goals scored & conceded, goal difference and clean sheets across the season
Halftime Performance
What each side does once the whistle goes for half time
Streaks
Recent-form runs — each side’s most-recent game meets in the middle
Head to Head
Yellow Card
Yellow Card
Goal
Goal
Red Card
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Yellow Card
Goal
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Unknown
Match Statistics
Kauno Žalgiris
4-1-4-1Starting XI
- 3A. TolordavaD
- 7A. BenchaibF
- 9L. KrekovićM
- 14V. SlivkaM
- 19Renan OliveiraF
- 22D. MikelionisG
- 24M. BurbaF
- 32F. BaldassarraM
- 33M. KonatarD
- 45J. MoutachyD
- 77R. LekiatasD
Substitutes
- 8Y. KarashimaM
- 10G. SirgedasM
- 15LeonardoM
- 17I. FiolićM
- 23A. HernándezD
- 37N. EdokpolorD
- 55T. ŠvedkauskasG
- 70F. OuregaM
Dinamo Zagreb
4-3-3Starting XI
- 7L. StojkovićM
- 9D. BeljoF
- 21M. LisicaM
- 22Olof Matteo Perez VinlöfD
- 25M. ValinčićD
- 26S. McKennaD
- 27J. MišićM
- 36Sergi DomínguezD
- 44I. FilipovićG
- 80L. KačavendaM
- 99M. OršićM
Substitutes
- 1D. ZagoracG
- 3B. GodaD
- 6S. RadeljićD
- 8M. ZajcM
- 10G. VidovićM
- 11A. HoxhaF
- 13Paul Bismarck TabinasD
- 14S. PrevljakF
- 15N. GalešićD
- 30F. TopićF
- 33I. NevistićG
- 41S. SuntaM





