When Maccabi Tel Aviv travel to face Dinamo Zagreb at TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia on UEFA Europa League second‑round clashTSC Arena, Backa Topola, the stakes feel unusually high. The match, originally slated for Bloomfield Stadium, was shifted because of lingering geopolitical tension surrounding Israeli clubs. Both sides arrive with differing momentum, and the neutral venue adds a layer of unpredictability that bettors love.
Background: Why the match landed in Serbia
UEFA’s security protocol has, for several seasons, required Israeli teams to play away from home when regional instability spikes. The decision to use TSC Arena—a modern 7,000‑seat facility built for FK Partizan’s youth side—was made in early September. The Serbian Football Association offered the venue free of charge, hoping the exposure would boost the region’s profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Players from both camps said the change felt like a mini‑tour. Mario Kovacevic, Dinamo’s head coach, joked that his squad would treat the trip like a "training camp with a final on the line." Meanwhile, Maccabi’s manager, Barak Bakhar, emphasized the need to keep the focus on football, not politics.
Form guide: Recent performances
Dinamo Zagreb entered the fixture on the back of a 3‑1 victory over Fenerbahçe, pushing their season record to 1‑4‑1. That win marked their third straight in all competitions, a run that’s seen them score at least once in six of their last seven outings. By contrast, Maccabi Tel Aviv have drawn 0‑0 with PAOK and suffered a 2‑0 loss to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the league, leaving them at 2‑6 overall.
- Dinamo’s attack has netted 12 goals in the last five matches, with winger Dion Beljo contributing four.
- Maccabi have kept two clean sheets away from home but have conceded just three league goals all season.
- Betting trends show Maccabi’s games have gone OVER the total in five of their last five fixtures.
Statistically, Dinamo’s chance of scoring first is high—nine of their last ten games began with a goal. Maccabi, meanwhile, have struggled to break the deadlock, failing to score in three of their last four Europa League outings.
Key players and potential line‑ups
Both managers are expected to stick with the XI that gave them success in the previous round. Kovacevic will likely field the 4‑3‑3 that saw Mislav Oršić open the scoring against Fenerbahçe. The Croatian side’s midfield trio—Luka Sucic, Josip Juranović, and Mateo Barać—should dominate possession.
Maccabi’s line‑up is expected to revert to a 4‑2‑3‑1, with Kervin Andrade finally earning a start after a cameo against Sakhnin. The Venezuelan forward’s pace could stretch Dinamo’s high line, while veteran midfielder Gabi Kanichowsky is likely to anchor the middle.
Betting market and expert predictions
Action Network lists Dinamo as a –0.5 favorite on the spread, with moneylines of +153 for Zagreb and +175 for Maccabi. The over/under sits at 2.5 goals, with the over priced at –122 and the under at –105. Betting analysts are split:
- Sportskeeda leans toward a 1‑2 Dinamo win, citing their superior fire‑power.
- Football Predictions and Sports Mole hedge on a 1‑1 draw, calling the neutral venue a "leveler."
- Forebet dares to shout a 3‑0 victory for Maccabi, pointing to their solid defensive record away from home.
Even the odds on individual players reveal a story. Beljo’s goalscorer odds sit at 1.75, while Dinamo’s centre‑back Bruno Goda faces a booking risk of 1.62.
What the result could mean for the clubs
For Dinamo Zagreb, a win secures a spot in the Europa League group stage, unlocking roughly €2.3 million in UEFA distribution—a lifeline for a club that spent €30 million on new contracts this summer.
Maccabi Tel Aviv, on the other hand, need a point at minimum to keep their European hopes alive. Dropping the first two points would likely see them finish bottom of the group, ending a campaign that started with high expectations after a domestic double the previous season.
Beyond the numbers, the match could set a tone for how Israeli clubs navigate neutral‑venue fixtures moving forward. As Joshua Ojele, a European football writer for Sportskeeda, observed, "These games test a squad’s mental toughness more than any tactical battle. If Maccabi can stay focused, they’ll prove the neutral‑ground curse isn’t real."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the neutral venue affect Maccabi Tel Aviv's chances?
Playing away from Bloomfield means Maccabi lose the usual home‑support advantage, but the venue is a modest stadium where crowds are thin. Statistically, teams in similar situations have done about 45% better than their away record, so the impact could be modest rather than decisive.
Which player is most likely to score first?
Dinamo’s Mislav Oršić has netted the opener in nine of his last ten games, making him the clear frontrunner for the first goal.
What are the betting odds for the over/under 2.5 goals?
The over is priced at –122, while the under sits at –105, reflecting a slightly higher market belief that the match will exceed two goals, driven by Dinamo’s recent scoring streak.
What does a win mean for Dinamo Zagreb financially?
Advancing to the group stage guarantees at least €2.3 million in UEFA prize money, plus additional revenue from broadcast rights and match‑day sales, a crucial boost for their €30 million summer spending.
When is the next crucial match for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the competition?
If they drop points in Serbia, Maccabi’s next must‑win comes on November 7, 2025, against Romanian side FCSB in the final group‑stage fixture, where a victory could keep their European hopes alive.
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