Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan | Champions League | League Stage | Pre Match
Dinamo Zagreb vs. AC Milan
Seeking a sixth straight Champions League win, thereby confirming their place in the last 16, AC Milan will visit Dinamo Zagreb for what promises to be a frantic league-phase finale at Stadion Maksimir on Wednesday. Milan has already secured at least a place in the playoffs, but for Dinamo, the stakes are sky-high as they must secure maximum points to keep their European dreams alive. The Croatian side's qualification scenario necessitates not just a win but potentially favorable results elsewhere to progress, making this match a do-or-die situation for them.
Milan's journey to this pivotal encounter has been marked by a significant turnaround in their European form despite a less convincing performance in the domestic Serie A. Last week's 1-0 victory over Girona, sealed by Rafael Leao's emphatic finish, was their fifth consecutive win in the Champions League, propelling them to 15 points and into control of their Champions League fate. This resurgence follows a rocky start where they suffered back-to-back defeats, an early stumble that has since been overshadowed by their consistent victories. A victory in Zagreb would not only guarantee a top-eight finish, ensuring direct entry into the last 16, but it would also mark a historic achievement for Milan, aiming for three consecutive away wins in the competition for the first time in 24 years.
However, the domestic front tells a different story for Milan, where they sit in a modest seventh place. The inconsistency has been a hallmark of their season, with new coach Sergio Conceicao experiencing both peaks and troughs since taking over. His tenure began with a thrilling Supercoppa Italiana win in Saudi Arabia against rivals Juventus and Inter Milan, showcasing his ability to lead comebacks. Yet, a recent 2-0 defeat to Juventus in Turin marked his first loss, highlighting the challenges he faces in Serie A. Nevertheless, his squad demonstrated resilience by overcoming Girona and then staging a dramatic late comeback against Parma, with goals from Tijjani Reijnders and Samuel Chukwueze in stoppage time, signaling that the team's fighting spirit is intact.
AC Milan's historical dominance over Dinamo Zagreb adds an intriguing layer to this matchup. Having won all six previous encounters with an aggregate score of 17-3, Milan enters this game with confidence. However, they will be facing a Dinamo side led by a familiar figure in Fabio Cannavaro, who, as a former Inter Milan player, brings a personal narrative to the game. Cannavaro, who assumed the managerial role in December after a successful playing career, is in the midst of a challenging period. Dinamo went into the winter break with a seven-game winless streak across all competitions, a testament to the difficulties Cannavaro has inherited.
Last week's 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in London further underscored Dinamo's struggles, leaving them with only eight points from the league phase, desperately needing a win to maintain any hope of progression. Their recent form in Europe has been particularly poor, with no wins in their last five home games in the Champions League. However, a domestic revival, with a 3-1 win over Istra 1961 due to Sandro Kulenovic's scoring, might provide some momentum. Dinamo's domestic title defense is also under threat, as they trail the league leaders in the 1. HNL.
For Milan, the game comes with its own set of tactical considerations. With the Milan derby against Inter looming, Sergio Conceicao might opt for squad rotation, especially after criticizing some performances in their recent games. The absence of key players like Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Noah Okafor, and Alessandro Florenzi, along with the suspension of captain Davide Calabria, forces changes in the lineup. New loan signing Kyle Walker, although not available for this match, adds depth for future games.
The spotlight on Milan's players like Rafael Leao, whose dribbling has been unmatched in the competition, Christian Pulisic, who has been a key figure in their offensive plays, and Tijjani Reijnders, who offers creativity from midfield, will be intense. For Dinamo, Sandro Kulenovic, despite the team's struggles, remains a potent threat with his goal-scoring record in the Champions League.
Injuries and suspensions have hit Dinamo hard, with Bruno Petkovic, Petar Sucic, and Lukas Kacavenda unavailable, which might tilt the balance further towards Milan. However, football matches are decided on the pitch, and with the European stage set at Stadion Maksimir, both teams will be driven by the urgency of the moment. For Milan, it's about cementing their status among Europe's elite; for Dinamo, it's about proving that they can still compete at the highest level against one of the continent's storied clubs. The outcome of this game will not only affect their immediate futures in the Champions League but could also set the tone for their respective seasons.
