Genk will welcome Dinamo Zagreb to the Cegeka Arena on Thursday for the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off, holding a commanding lead after a clinical performance in the first leg.
The home team head into the return fixture in strong overall form, despite a 3-0 domestic loss to Standard Liege at the weekend that dented their top-six ambitions.
That defeat was their first in competitive action since mid-January, a run that includes a current three-match winning streak in the Europa League. They are also unbeaten in three Europa League home matches this season, since a narrow 1-0 loss to Ferencvaros in October.
Meanwhile, the visitors travel to Belgium needing to overturn a 3-1 first-leg defeat against Genk if they are to reach the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
While overturning a two-goal deficit is a daunting task, it is not entirely beyond the Croatian side. Dinamo are under pressure after back-to-back Europa League defeats have left them staring at another early knockout exit.
Read our Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other Europa League predictions.
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Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb prediction: Home team to win or draw
Key statistics
- Dinamo Zagreb have just one win in their last three away games.
- Both teams have scored over 2.5 goals in two of their last three meetings.
- Genk have claimed victory in four of their previous five matches and have also conceded in three of those wins.
Correct score prediction: Genk 2-1 Dinamo Zagreb
We expect the home team to progress comfortably while perhaps conceding a goal as the visitors are forced to commit men forward. We predict a 2-1 win for Genk based on their form and the necessity for the visitors to take risks that will likely leave their defence exposed.
The Smurfs have shown they are lethal on the counter-attack, as evidenced by their three-goal haul in the first leg. We believe the quality of the Belgian side’s midfield will allow them to control the tempo of the game.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Genk are favourites at home
- Home: 11/10 (2.10) – 47.6%
- Draw: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- Away: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
*Odds provided by Ladbrokes. Subject to change.*
Genk are considered the slight favourites by the bookmakers and given 2.10 odds, implying a 47.6% probability of a home victory. The draw is priced at 3.40 odds, giving it a 29.4% implied chance.
Dinamo Zagreb are also available at 3.40 odds, suggesting a 29.4% chance of claiming an away win in what looks like a finely balanced encounter.
Most recent head-to-head: Historical balance
Looking at the head-to-head history between these two clubs, the record remains very competitive. The last three meetings have seen both teams claim one win each and one draw separating them.
A variety of results, including a 3-0 win for Dinamo Zagreb in Belgium back in 2021 and a 1-1 draw later that same year. However, the most recent encounter in 2026 saw the Belgian side turn the tide with a convincing 3-1 win at the Stadion Maksimir.
UEFA Europa League 19/02/26
Dinamo Zagreb
Genk
After reviewing our key Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb predictions, be sure to visit our website for the remaining football betting tips today.
Genk preview: Full squad available
Genk head into this fixture with no injury or suspension concerns, giving the coaching staff a full complement of players to choose from. With a clean bill of health across the squad, competition for places remains high as they look to build momentum.
Predicted lineup: Lawal (GK), El Ouahdi, Sadick, Smets, Ditu, Steuckers, Heymans, Heynen, Karetsas, Bibout & Ito
Last five fixtures
- 22.02.26 – Genk 0–3 Standard Liege (Jupiler League)
- 19.02.26 – Dinamo Zagreb 1–3 Genk (Europa League)
- 13.02.26 – KV Mechelen 2–3 Genk (Jupiler League)
- 08.02.26 – Genk 2–0 Anderlecht (Jupiler League)
- 01.02.26 – Dender 1–2 Genk (Jupiler League)
Dinamo Zagreb preview: Key absences to manage
Dinamo Zagreb will be without forward Dion Drena Beljo, who serves a suspension, reducing their attacking options. Midfielder Ismael Bennacer is sidelined through injury, while defender Raul Torrente also remains unavailable.
Predicted lineup: Livakovic (GK), Valincic, Galesic, McKenna, Goda, Misic, Zajc, Vidovic, Hoxha, Bakrar & Varela
Last five fixtures
- 22.02.26 – Varazdin 0–4 Dinamo Zagreb (HNL)
- 19.02.26 – Dinamo Zagreb 1–3 Genk (Europa League)
- 14.02.26 – Dinamo Zagreb 4–0 Istra 1961 (HNL)
- 08.02.26 – Rijeka 0–0 Dinamo Zagreb (HNL)
- 02.02.26 – Dinamo Zagreb 3–1 Vukovar 1991 (HNL)
Player to watch: Miha Zajc
Miha Zajc remains the most dangerous attacking outlet for the visitors and he has been in exceptional form for Dinamo. He has scored three goals and provided one assist in his last five games.
With his team having to overturn a two-goal deficit in the first leg against Genk, he will play an important role in attack. He will be hoping to help his team make the next round and also get on the scoresheet against the host.