Dinamo Zagreb shocked Europe in the previous round of the Europa League as they fought back from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham Hotspur. They will need to repeat that feat if they are to make it through to the semi-finals of the competition this season.
Europa League Preview
Dinamo Zagreb will have a job on their hands if they are to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League this season, as they will need to come back from the 1-0 defeat that they suffered against Villarreal last week. Dinamo have shocked a lot of people by reaching this stage of the competition, as they looked dead and buried in the previous round after losing their first leg against Tottenham Hotspur 2-0. However, they produced one of the most memorable nights in their history to win the second leg 3-0 and book their place in this round. They will need more of that desire in Spain on Thursday evening, but it looks set to be a more daunting task than the one that they faced last time out.
Villarreal couldn’t be in a more perfect position from their perspective, as they hold all the cards ahead of the second leg on Thursday. Gerard Moreno’s penalty on the stroke of half-time in the first leg has given them a 1-0 lead to defend, but they will be looking to kill off the tie as quickly as possible when the fixture takes place in Spain on Thursday. Villarreal have won both knockout home games that they have faced, with their most recent win coming in a 2-0 success against Dynamo Kiev. History supports their case, as there has only been one previous encounter that a Spanish side has been knocked out of European competition after winning the first leg away from home.
Villarreal vs Dinamo Zagreb Head To Head
This will be the third European meeting between the sides. Villarreal have won the last two, and have scored four goals. However, Zagreb’s only win came back in 2010 as they beat Villarreal 2-0. That victory remains the only time that they have beaten Spanish opposition in their previous seven attempts.
Villarreal vs Dinamo Zagreb Prediction
The cards are stacked against Dinamo ahead of the return leg in Spain. They have a disappointing record against Spanish opposition, and it will be hard to see that changing on Thursday. Villarreal should complete the job with another victory.
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