Dinamo Zagreb and Anderlecht at Maksimir: a European night as both teams seek their first victory
GNK Dinamo Zagreb and RSC Anderlecht will meet on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 21:00 at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, in the second round of the 2026/2027 Europa League league phase. The encounter between the Croatian and Belgian clubs comes after contrasting results in the opening round of the competition: Dinamo earned a point away against Hapoel Beer-Sheva with a 0-0 draw, while Anderlecht lost 1-2 to Lyon in front of their home supporters.
The match is important because both teams want to establish a strong position in the single league standings as early as possible. Dinamo will play in front of the Maksimir stands for the first time this European season, while Anderlecht will attempt to make up for what they missed in the opening round. Their head-to-head history adds further interest: Dinamo recorded both of their previous victories against their Belgian opponents in Brussels, while they have yet to score against Anderlecht at Maksimir.
Supporters can expect a meeting between teams with considerable European experience, but also squads in which a new generation of players plays an important role. The Zagreb team relies on the goalscoring form of Dion Beljo, the organisation provided by Josip Mišić and the impact of returning player Mislav Oršić. Anderlecht arrive with forwards Mihajlo Cvetković and Danylo Sikan, along with coach Vítor Bruno, who must find a way to make his team more solid than they were against Lyon.
Tickets for Dinamo Zagreb - Anderlecht are already on sale, and supporters planning to travel or wishing to choose a particular section of the stands should secure their places in good time.
What is at stake: points that will shape the European autumn
The Europa League in the 2026/2027 season brings together 36 clubs in a single league phase. Each team plays eight matches against different opponents, four at home and four away. The top eight clubs in the final standings advance directly to the round of 16, while teams finishing between ninth and 24th place compete in an additional knockout round.
Dinamo have one point after the opening round, while Anderlecht have none. The Zagreb team therefore have an opportunity to reach four points with a victory and approach their next European challenge in a positive mood. For the Belgian representatives, defeat would mean remaining without a single point after two appearances, increasing the pressure for the remainder of the competition.
Dinamo opened their European season on September 16 with an away fixture against Hapoel Beer-Sheva. The match was played in Bucharest, where the Israeli club acted as hosts, and ended goalless. Mario Kovačević's team did not dominate possession but managed to keep a clean sheet. Goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski made several important saves, while captain Josip Mišić particularly stood out with timely defensive interventions.
Anderlecht hosted Lyon in Brussels on the same day. The French team took the lead through goals from Noah Nartey in the eighth minute and Keito Nakamura in the 22nd minute. Mihajlo Cvetković reduced the deficit to 1-2 in the 61st minute, but the Belgian club were unable to equalise. The course of the match demonstrated that Anderlecht possess sufficient attacking options to fight their way back into a contest, but also that early defensive mistakes can determine the final result.
Looking ahead, Dinamo will host N.E.C. Nijmegen as early as October 22, followed by matches against Sunderland, Leverkusen, Rennes, AZ Alkmaar and Sturm Graz. After visiting Zagreb, Anderlecht travel to face Jagiellonia, while their later opponents include Salzburg, Hoffenheim, Sunderland and Marseille. The points available at Maksimir therefore carry significance beyond a single evening.
Dinamo Zagreb: Beljo's goals, Oršić's return and Kovačević's options
Dinamo enter the European encounter as leaders of the Croatian championship according to the standings after eight rounds, although the Zagreb club have played one match fewer than most of their rivals. In seven league appearances, they have recorded five wins, one draw and one defeat, collecting 16 points with a goal difference of 17-9. Hajduk and Osijek have the same number of points, having each played eight matches.
Dion Beljo's performances are particularly noteworthy. The Dinamo striker has already scored nine league goals and leads the goalscoring charts. Against Lokomotiva on September 20, he scored twice in a 3-2 victory, demonstrating how dangerous he can be when given space inside the penalty area. His finishing will be one of the key elements if Dinamo are to break through Anderlecht's defence.
Mario Kovačević has several different attacking solutions available. Mateo Lisica provides speed and penetration on the right, Arbër Hoxha can attack space from the wing, while Luka Ivanušec, Lukas Kačavenda and Miha Zajc offer options for connecting midfield with the forwards. Mislav Oršić is once again part of the team and represents an additional threat thanks to his shooting ability and experience in European matches.
Dinamo's last competitive match before the October international break ended in a convincing 4-0 victory over Vukovar 1991 in the round of 16 of the Croatian Cup. The goalscorers were Oršić, Kirill Kravtsov, Iker Almena and Ivanušec. Oršić's goal was particularly significant, as it was his first competitive goal since returning to the Zagreb club.
Lisica also distinguished himself in that encounter with the assist for Almena, as did Ivanušec, who scored after initially hitting the post, collecting the rebound and outwitting a defender.
However, Dinamo also have certain squad concerns. Luka Stojković injured his ankle against Vukovar on October 4, when he slipped on the difficult playing surface and soon had to leave the pitch. His availability against Anderlecht will depend on his recovery and the coaching staff's assessment. Josip Mišić, meanwhile, was sent off in the league match against Lokomotiva, meaning he will miss the next domestic league encounter with Hajduk. That domestic suspension does not automatically mean he is also banned from playing in the Europa League.
Before facing Anderlecht, Dinamo have an away fixture against Hajduk on October 10. The outcome of that derby, the players' physical condition and any changes to the squad could significantly influence Kovačević's selection of the starting eleven for Maksimir.
Anderlecht: a Belgian squad with dangerous forwards and a Portuguese coach
RSC Anderlecht will be led in Zagreb by Portuguese coach Vítor Bruno. After seven rounds of the domestic championship, the Belgian team occupy fifth place with 13 points, earned through four victories, one draw and two defeats. This shows that they are capable of winning matches but are still searching for complete consistency in their results.
In their most recent league appearances, Anderlecht defeated Zulte Waregem 3-0, beat KV Mechelen 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Genk. Before that, they recorded a narrow victory over Kortrijk, while losing 0-3 away to Union SG. Between league commitments, they also played a friendly against Reims, which they won 3-0.
One of the players Dinamo's defence must pay particular attention to is Mihajlo Cvetković. The young Serbian forward scored Anderlecht's only goal against Lyon and has demonstrated an ability to finish moves inside the penalty area during his European appearances this season.
Danylo Sikan is another important attacking option, while Thelo Aasgaard and Lukáš Ambros can help create chances from midfield. Enric Llansana is important for the team's balance, and Marten Winkler provides an additional option for attacks from wide areas.
Colin Coosemans is in goal, while the defensive options include Andrew Omobamidele, Ludwig Augustinsson, Léo Pétrot and Ali Maamar. Against Lyon, Anderlecht started in a 4-4-2 formation, which offered two attacking targets but required effective defensive cooperation between the wide midfielders and full-backs.
The squad situation also deserves attention. According to available injury records, Anderlecht have problems involving defenders Giuliano Biancone, Killian Sardella and Lucas Hey, as well as Ilay Camara. This information may change before the match, so final player availability should be assessed using updates closer to matchday.
The Belgian club play a league match against Cercle Brugge on October 10. That encounter will be their last important competitive test before travelling to Zagreb.
Tactical battle: Dinamo's wingers against Anderlecht's organisation
The most interesting tactical aspect of the match could unfold in the wide areas. With Lisica, Hoxha, Almena and other mobile attacking players, Dinamo have the ability to exploit space behind the opposing full-backs. Anderlecht, on the other hand, must decide whether to press Dinamo's defence high up the pitch or prioritise a more compact formation and quick forward transitions.
Dinamo had only 37 percent possession against Hapoel Beer-Sheva and still managed to keep a clean sheet. In their home encounter with Anderlecht, Kovačević will probably seek more initiative, but without exposing his defence excessively. An important factor will be how Mišić, if selected, controls the space in front of the centre-backs and enables midfielders to join attacks at the right moments.
Beljo's position between the opposing centre-backs could create space for Ivanušec and other players making runs from deeper positions. Cutbacks from the wings, which brought Dinamo success against Vukovar, will be particularly important, as will set pieces through which Oršić and his teammates can apply pressure.
Anderlecht enjoyed more possession than Lyon but conceded twice in the first half. Controlling transitions will therefore be important for the visitors. If Dinamo win the ball in midfield and quickly move it towards the wings, the Belgian defenders could find themselves having to defend large areas of space.
On the other hand, Cvetković and Sikan are dangerous when supported by players arriving from deeper positions. Dinamo's centre-backs will have to watch their movement between the lines, while the full-backs must avoid leaving too much space behind them.
The opening goal could significantly change the balance of the match. A Dinamo lead would allow the hosts to control the game more calmly, while an early Anderlecht advantage would force the Zagreb team to take greater risks. These are tactical expectations rather than confirmed formations, which will only become known shortly before kick-off.
Head-to-head meetings: Dinamo ahead overall, Anderlecht more successful in Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb and Anderlecht have already met four times in the Europa League. The record so far favours Dinamo, who have two victories, one draw and one defeat. Particularly interesting is the fact that all three victories in their previous meetings were achieved by the visiting clubs.
- 17.09.2009. - Dinamo Zagreb - Anderlecht 0-2, Europa League group stage.
- 02.12.2009. - Anderlecht - Dinamo Zagreb 0-1, Europa League group stage.
- 04.10.2018. - Anderlecht - Dinamo Zagreb 0-2, Europa League group stage.
- 13.12.2018. - Dinamo Zagreb - Anderlecht 0-0, Europa League group stage.
Their first meetings took place in the 2009/2010 season. Anderlecht won in Zagreb, but Dinamo gained revenge with a victory in Brussels. The Belgian club finished top of that group, while Dinamo failed to qualify for the next round.
They met again in the 2018/2019 season. Dinamo won 2-0 in Brussels and later drew 0-0 at Maksimir. That season was important for the Zagreb club, who advanced beyond the group stage of a European competition for the first time in a long period.
An interesting fact ahead of the upcoming encounter is that Dinamo failed to score in either of their two previous home matches against Anderlecht. The new meeting therefore offers them the opportunity to record a home victory over the Belgian opponents for the first time, while also giving Anderlecht a chance to extend their positive run of results at Maksimir.
Maksimir Stadium: a European match at Zagreb's historic stadium
Maksimir Stadium is located at Maksimirska cesta 128, in the eastern part of Zagreb, next to the Maksimir Park area. The stadium opened on May 5, 1912, and Dinamo have used it as their home ground since 1948. It has undergone several reconstructions over the decades, including major changes to the north and west stands and renovations of spectator facilities.
Maksimir currently has four stands - west, north, south and east. However, the east stand has been closed to spectators since the earthquake that struck Zagreb in March 2020. Consequently, the stadium's historical total capacity does not correspond to the actual number of seats available to spectators for this match.
According to Dinamo's figures, the seating arrangement in the remaining stands includes:
- West stand - 6,371 seats in the lower tier and 4,333 seats in the upper tier.
- North stand - 4,950 seats in the lower tier and 4,510 seats in the upper tier.
- South stand - 3,931 seats, usually reserved for visiting supporters.
- East stand - closed to spectators and not included in the available capacity.
The loudest home support traditionally comes from the north stand, while the west stand offers views of the pitch from the central section of the stadium. For a European match, the atmosphere will depend on attendance, the rhythm of play and the result, but the encounter with Anderlecht brings an interesting combination of supporter rivalry and the history of previous meetings.
This will be Dinamo's first home appearance of the 2026/2027 league phase. Maksimir will therefore not only be the setting for a battle for points, but also the first opportunity for home supporters to watch their team live during this stage of the European schedule.
It is worth securing tickets in good time, especially if arriving in a larger group or wishing to sit in a particular section of the stadium.
Tickets for Dinamo Zagreb - Anderlecht and entry regulations
On September 30, Dinamo announced the ticket sales schedule for their four home matches in the Europa League league phase. Sales began on October 1, initially for club members, while sales to other supporters opened on October 8. Tickets are being sold exclusively online.
Several special rules apply to the Anderlecht match. Individual tickets for the lower section of the north stand have not been made available for general sale. In addition, once an individual ticket has been purchased, it is not possible to change the name of the person for whom it is intended. This is particularly important for supporters travelling from other cities or countries who are organising their trip in advance.
A separate application procedure is provided for wheelchair users. Applications are open from October 7 to October 13 until 14:00, or until the available capacity has been filled. An accompanying person is not mandatory, and the number of parking permits is limited.
The exact opening time of the stadium gates for the match against Anderlecht had not been separately confirmed in the information available as of October 9. Visitors are therefore advised to check the organiser's latest instructions immediately before the match and arrive early enough to undergo security checks.
On arrival, supporters should have their ticket and identification document ready, check their stand designation and follow the stewards' directions. It is particularly important not to assume that every stadium entrance provides access to all sectors.
Getting to Maksimir: trams, parking and practical information
Zagreb is the capital of Croatia and a transport hub connected by road, rail and air routes. Maksimir Stadium is situated east of the inner city centre and can be reached by public transport, taxi or private car.
For supporters visiting Zagreb for the first time, the tram is often the simplest option. Maksimirska cesta is one of the major roads in the eastern part of the city, and several tram routes connect the stadium area with other neighbourhoods.
- Stadium address: Maksimirska cesta 128, Zagreb, Croatia.
- Arriving by tram: lines 4, 5, 7, 11 and 12 serve the Maksimir area, although timetables and routes may change.
- Arriving from the centre: tram lines 11 and 12 can be used from the Ban Josip Jelačić Square area towards the eastern part of the city.
- Parking: the Svetice and Rebro public garages and other parking areas are available in the wider area, but their availability on matchday is not guaranteed.
- Entering and leaving: allow extra time to approach the stadium on foot, have tickets checked and deal with possible congestion on Maksimirska cesta.
Visitors travelling by train should know that Zagreb has a main railway station connected to the city's tram network. Tram line 4 connects the wider railway station area with the eastern part of the city. Arriving by bus also allows passengers to transfer to public transport towards Maksimir.
Travelling by car may be more challenging. Temporary traffic restrictions are often introduced around the stadium for high-interest matches, especially on Hitrecova Street, Divka Budaka Street and parts of the parking areas around Svetice and Borongaj. Specific traffic announcements must be checked for the Anderlecht match, as previous restrictions cannot automatically be assumed to apply to a new fixture.
Parking immediately beside the stadium should therefore not be the only option. It is more sensible to choose an alternative parking area or garage in advance, with the possibility of continuing the journey by public transport.
After the match, large numbers of pedestrians can be expected on Maksimirska cesta and the approaches to tram stops. Travellers who need to catch late intercity connections should check timetables before setting off.
Supporter atmosphere and visiting Zagreb before the match
The meeting between Dinamo and Anderlecht is also an opportunity to discover Zagreb beyond the stadium. Visitors arriving several hours early can explore the central city streets, the historic Upper Town and the area around Ban Josip Jelačić Square. For those who prefer to remain closer to the stadium, Maksimir Park offers greenery, walking paths and an opportunity to enjoy a quieter start to the day before attending the match.
Changeable weather conditions should be expected in October. An evening match at an open-air stadium means the weather forecast may influence clothing choices, particularly for spectators in uncovered sections of the stands. It is useful to check the forecast shortly before travelling.
For Anderlecht supporters, organising access to the away section is important. The south stand is normally allocated to visiting fans, but the final distribution of entrances and sectors must be checked against the instructions for this match. Separation of supporter groups, security checks and designated access routes may require additional time.
On the pitch, spectators will have several clear reasons to follow individual battles: Beljo's finishing in Dinamo's attacks, Mišić's organisation of midfield, Oršić's shooting and Cvetković's movement between the home defenders. The reactions of both teams after losing possession also deserve particular attention, as precisely such situations could decide the match.
Dinamo want their first European victory of the season in front of their own supporters, while Anderlecht are trying to collect their first points. The history of their meetings shows that home advantage has not guaranteed success so far, meaning the result will depend on current form, player availability and performances throughout the full 90 minutes.
Supporters who want to experience this encounter from the stands are advised to secure their tickets in good time, check access to their sector and plan to arrive at Maksimir before the biggest crowds gather.
Sources:
- GNK Dinamo Zagreb - confirmation of the match date and kick-off time, league phase schedule, results against Hapoel Beer-Sheva, Lokomotiva and Vukovar, information about Luka Stojković's injury, the squad, the stadium and ticket sales regulations.
- Europa League, competition pages - 2026/2027 league phase schedule and format, opening-round results, the clubs' head-to-head record, coaches and registered players.
- Croatian Football Federation, Semafor - Croatian league standings, Dinamo's points, results and goalscoring table.
- Voetbalexpress - Belgian league standings after seven rounds, Anderlecht's position and points record.
- FotMob - current team results, form overview and records of possible absences due to injuries.
- Sky Sports and Ouest-France - result, line-ups and goalscorers from the Anderlecht - Lyon match.
- WorldFootball.net - dates and results of previous meetings between Dinamo and Anderlecht.
- Priroda Grada Zagreba, park-maksimir.hr - tram routes, access to the Maksimir area and information about parking areas and garages.
- City of Zagreb, zagreb.hr - examples of traffic restrictions around the stadium during previous matches.