Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Match Preview
A crucial Europa League showdown takes place at Stadion Maksimir on Thursday, 11 December 2025.1 Real Betis arrive in commanding form, sitting 5th in the League Phase with 11 points and fresh off a thrilling, albeit losing, 5-3 effort against Barcelona. They are chasing a Top 8 finish to secure a direct Round of 16 spot. Dinamo Zagreb, meanwhile, are clinging to 23rd place with 7 points. After a heavy defeat to Lille and a draw in the Croatian derby, they desperately need a result to stay within the playoff qualification zone (Top 24).
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Europa League (League Phase)
- Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb (Capacity: 35,423)
- Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
- Kickoff: 18:45 CET | 17:45 GMT | 23:15 IST
- Referee: TBC (UEFA Appointment)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Match Stakes
Dinamo Zagreb (23rd — 7 pts):
- Win → Moves to 10 pts, likely securing a playoff spot and climbing to mid-table
- Draw → Dangerous; keeps them on the bubble of elimination (24th place risk)
- Loss → High risk of dropping out of the Top 24 if teams below them win
Real Betis (5th — 11 pts):
- Win → Jumps to 14 pts, putting one foot firmly in the Top 8 (Direct Bye)
- Draw → Keeps them in the top tier but vulnerable to chasing pack
- Loss → Drops them into the playoff lottery zone (9th-24th)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Team News
Dinamo Zagreb:
- Lisica M. — Out (Illness)
- Mudrazija R. — Out (Injury)
- Torrente R. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Valincic M. — Out (Ankle Injury)
- Zivkovic M. — Out (Injury)
- Mikic N. — Questionable (Injury)
Real Betis:
- Amrabat S. — Out (Leg Injury)
- Bellerin H. — Out (Muscle Injury)
- Isco — Out (Injury)
- Rodriguez R. — Out (Suspended – Yellow Cards)
- Firpo J. — Questionable (Injury)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Dinamo Zagreb
- 06/12 — 1–1 vs Hajduk Split (League)
- 01/12 — 2–0 vs Gorica (League)
- 27/11 — 0–4 vs Lille (Europa League)2
- 22/11 — 3–1 vs Varazdin (League)
- 19/11 — 7–0 vs Karlovac (Cup)3
Real Betis
- 06/12 — 3–5 vs Barcelona (La Liga)
- 04/12 — 4–1 vs Torrent (Copa del Rey)
- 30/11 — 2–0 vs Sevilla (La Liga)
- 28/11 — 2–1 vs Utrecht (Europa League)
- 23/11 — 1–1 vs Girona (La Liga)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)
- 22/02/2024 — Dinamo Zagreb 1–1 Real Betis (Conference League)
- 16/02/2024 — Real Betis 0–1 Dinamo Zagreb (Conference League)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Dinamo Zagreb (4-2-3-1)
Nevistic; Ristovski, Theophile-Catherine, Bernauer, Pierre-Gabriel; Misic, Sučić; Pjaca, Baturina, Hoxha; Petkovic
Real Betis (4-2-3-1)
Silva; Ruibal, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Roca, Cardoso; Fornals, Lo Celso, Abde; Vitor Roque
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Impact Bench
Dinamo Zagreb: Kulenovic (Physical target man), Rog (Energy in midfield)
Real Betis: Chimy Avila (Aggressive pressing), Bakambu (Direct goal threat)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Tactical Analysis
Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo will rely on the atmosphere at Maksimir to fuel a high-intensity start. With Torrente out, their defense is weakened, so they must protect the backline through possession control by Misic and Baturina. Their best chance lies in quick transitions, utilizing Petkovic’s hold-up play to release wingers like Pjaca into space left by Betis’s attacking fullbacks.
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini’s side plays proactive, possession-based football. Even without Isco, the return of Lo Celso provides creativity centrally. Betis will look to exploit Dinamo’s flanks, especially with Abde’s 1v1 ability. However, the absence of Bellerin, Rodriguez, and Amrabat forces a reshuffle in defense and midfield, which could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks if they commit too many bodies forward.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Key Battles
- Petkovic vs Natan — physical battle of strength
- Baturina vs Roca — creative spark vs midfield destroyer
- Ristovski vs Abde — veteran defender vs pacey winger
- Misic vs Lo Celso — controlling the central zones
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Spotlight Players
Dinamo Zagreb — Martin Baturina
The “jewel” of Zagreb. In big European nights, Dinamo looks to him for magic. Against a depleted Betis midfield, he needs to carry the ball and create openings for Petkovic.
Real Betis — Giovani Lo Celso
With Isco injured, the Argentine is the undisputed creative hub. His vision and ability to find pockets of space between the lines will be key to breaking down Dinamo’s low block.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Prediction
Dinamo Zagreb 1–1 Real Betis
Dinamo have historically been a “bogey team” for Betis (knocking them out in 2024). At the Maksimir, Dinamo is tough to beat. Betis have superior quality but significant defensive absentees. A hard-fought draw seems the most logical outcome.
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Under 2.5 Goals — Possible
- Double Chance — Dinamo Zagreb or Draw
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — Where to Watch
- Croatia: Arena Sport
- Spain: Movistar+
- International: CBS Sports (USA), TNT Sports (UK)
Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis — FAQs
Q: When is the Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis match?
A: The match kicks off on Thursday, 11 December 2025, at 18:45 CET.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: The game takes place at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, Croatia.
Q: Is Isco playing for Real Betis?
A: No. Isco is ruled out with an injury.
Q: Is Ricardo Rodriguez available for Betis?
A: No. Ricardo Rodriguez is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
Q: How can I watch Dinamo Zagreb vs Real Betis live?
A: Viewers in Croatia can watch on Arena Sport, while fans in Spain can tune in via Movistar+.
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