Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk | Europa League Preview & Betting Tips | 19 Feb 2026

This has the feel of a classic Europa League knockout-style night — disciplined shapes, careful game management, and a crowd that’ll ramp up every tackle and second ball. Dinamo arrive in seriously strong form, scoring freely while keeping things tight at the back. Genk bring a similar vibe: solid structure, consistent results, and a habit of staying in games even when they’re not dominating the ball.

Atmosphere-wise, Stadion Maksimir should be properly lively at kick-off, especially if Dinamo start quick and pin Genk back early.

Tactically, this looks like Dinamo’s controlled possession (around 57%) and shot volume vs Genk’s balance (around 53%) and ability to keep matches on a tight leash. Neither team are chaos merchants — so expect a lot of “good footballing decisions” and not many freebies.

1) Dinamo’s territory edge is real: With 57% possession and 14.3 shots per match, they usually play the game in the right areas. At home, that often means sustained pressure spells and a steady stream of set-pieces and second phases.

2) Genk’s “stay clean, then strike” profile: Genk concede just 0.9 per match on average, with 40% clean sheets. That points to a side comfortable defending their box and waiting for the right moments rather than forcing the game.

3) Set-pieces could be the separator: Dinamo’s set-piece numbers are a touch stronger overall (scoring 0.5 per game, conceding 0.2). In tight ties, one delivery and a scramble can decide the whole story.

Dinamo Zagreb last 10 (competitive): W8-D2-L0 — that’s relentless. Based on the per-game averages, they’re around 21 scored and 8 conceded in this run, with 40% clean sheets. It’s not just wins — it’s wins with control.

Genk last 10 (competitive): W7-D3-L0 — unbeaten and very steady. Roughly 17 scored and 9 conceded, with 40% clean sheets. They’re not always explosive, but they’re consistently difficult to put away.

Dinamo at home: the underlying profile (high possession, high shot volume, strong pass completion at 86%) fits a team that can dictate tempo and keep opponents defending longer spells.

Genk away: Genk’s numbers suggest they travel fine — decent ball retention, good defensive averages, and the kind of structure that keeps matches “alive” even if they don’t start fast.

So the matchup is clear: Dinamo pushing the territory and pressure; Genk trying to keep it compact and choose their moments.

Dinamo bring the bigger scoring rate, but Genk’s defensive baseline keeps this looking tight — more “managed” than chaotic.

Dinamo’s xG profile is slightly stronger overall (1.78 vs 1.52), while both sides keep xG-against around the “manageable” zone. That supports a tight game where shot quality matters more than shot count.

There isn’t loads of recent history, but the most relevant meetings are telling. Back in September 2021, Dinamo went to Genk and won 3–0 — a proper statement away performance. Then in November 2021 in Zagreb, it finished 1–1, which fits the idea of a tight, tactical game when Genk managed to steady things.

So the small sample says: Dinamo can hurt Genk when space opens up, but Genk can absolutely keep it close if they get their structure right.

Below are the key numbers that help shape smarter bet builders — goal trends, shot patterns, discipline, set-pieces, and the control stats that hint at how the match might flow.