Viking and Dinamo Zagreb Battle for Champions League Spot

Viking and Dinamo Zagreb take the field this Wednesday at 4:00 PM Brasília time at the Lyse Arena for the second leg of the 2026 UEFA Champions League playoffs. The decisive clash comes after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, a result that leaves the battle for a spot in the league phase completely wide open.

The scenario for the decisive clash

In the first leg, Viking staged an impressive comeback after falling two goals behind in the first ten minutes, securing a draw still in the first half with goals from Peter Christiansen and captain Zlatko Tripić. With the aggregate score tied, whoever wins the matchup advances in the European competition, while another draw will take the decision to extra time.

The teams' campaigns this season

Viking is banking on home advantage and their unbeaten home run to overcome their opponent. The Norwegian side aims to return to Europe's premier competition, relying on the support of their fans and the unique factor of their stadium's artificial turf.

On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb enters the decider defending a long unbeaten streak across all competitions and is counting on its experience in European qualifiers. The Croatian club maintains consistency and an efficient attack led by Dion Drena Beljo as they seek qualification away from home.

Absences and probable lineups

Viking, managed by Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim, will be without defender Anders Baertelsen, forward Veton Berisha, and defender Martin Roseth, who are injured. The probable lineup is Ostbo; Heggheim, Stensness, Falchener, and Haugen; Moi, Bell, and Askildsen; Tripic, Christiansen, and Austbo.

On the Croatian side, manager Mario Kovacevic remains without forward Aleks Stojakovic, and Dani Rodríguez is a doubt. The probable lineup features Nevistic; Valincic, McKenna, Domínguez, and Pérez Vinlof; Misić; Lisica, Kacavenda, Zajc, and Orsic; Beljo.

With information from Lance!, Correio Braziliense, NETVASCO.