Champions League Quali, play-offs, second leg, Wednesday, 28.08.2024 at 18:45
The Azerbaijani club with the illustrious nickname “the Horsemen” will have to put on a real show in this second clash of the UCL play-offs phase if they are to see the light at the group stage.
The deficit is almost impossible to make up. However, in my Qarabag FC Dinamo Zagreb betting tip, I argue that they can at least make it 1-0 before the Croatians get active themselves afterwards…
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off between Qarabağ and Dinamo Zagreb will take place at the Azersun Arena on Wednesday.
The hosts face a huge challenge, having lost the first leg by three goals to one.
However, it is precisely this aspect that is so critical: statistically speaking, Qarabağ have never successfully progressed from a UEFA knockout round consisting of a first and second leg after losing by more than two goals.
Nevertheless, they could be inspired by their obvious home strength. After all, we still remember the thrilling 2-2 draw against eventual finalists Leverkusen from the previous season
Since the 2013/14 season, Qarabağ have also not lost a home game in the play-off round of a European Cup, with a record of six wins and three draws.
Their convincing home victories over Lincoln Red Imps (5-0) and Kapaz (3-0) a few weeks ago also prove that they are capable of producing impressive performances at home in 2024/25.
However, there is a world of difference between the two aforementioned clubs and a Balkan footballing superpower like Dinamo Zagreb, who flexed their muscles in the first leg!
Dinamo Zagreb will certainly not take the second leg lightly, especially as they are still traumatized by their recent international experience from the 2023/24 Europa League season!
Back then, the Croatian serial champions went into the second leg with a 3:1 lead against Sparta Prague, which they then lost 4:1.
That’s why I simply can’t imagine Dinamo Zagreb letting the butter be taken off their bread again in a similar situation
With an almost perfect record against Azerbaijani teams (three wins and two draws), it is therefore important for coach Sergej Jakirovic’s squad not to approach Wednesday’s game half-heartedly.
After all, elimination from this competition would be a huge disappointment for the team and a financial blow that must be avoided at all costs.
In the next section of my Qarabag FC Dinamo Zagreb prediction, I will provide you with some selected betting tips, which you can enter into a verified sports betting app at any time if you are interested
Will the game be entertaining again? The statistics show that ten of Qarabağ’s last eleven UEFA matches have featured more than 2.5 goals. This actually suggests that the second leg could also be rich in goalmouth action.
Since a high tempo must be expected anyway due to the deficit, a bet on “over 2.5 goals” could still be a promising option for you, even at somewhat manageable odds of around 1.55.
Meanwhile, I wouldn’t want to turn my back on a double chance 1X bet completely, but here too, the bookmakers’ offer doesn’t really convince me.
The odds for this bet are only around 1.35.
However, Dinamo Zagreb have shown difficulties in the past to perform confidently away from home, which automatically gives this bet a little more sense (even if I would prefer other options).
If Qarabag go down on Wednesday, it will be with flags flying – and if anyone will be on the attack for the “Horsemen”, it will surely be striker Juninho!
The Brazilian has already scored in four of Qarabağ’s five European Cup games this season, with only Zagreb able to stop him so far.
A bet on Juninho scoring another goal in this match could therefore be worthwhile.
At odds of around 2.25, this is an attractive offer, especially as Zagreb will probably be somewhat passive at first
Conclusion: Qarabag must throw everything forward early on to have even a vague chance of a historic comeback.
Zagreb, on the other hand, will tend to lurk on the counterattack in the first half, but will not become too passive so that they can react promptly if they fall worryingly behind.
However, precisely because the “Horsemen” will take the initiative, I trust them to score the 1:0 in my Qarabag FC Dinamo Zagreb and thus be the first to take the lead
My tip: Qarabag will score the 1:0
