Will the record champion get off to a strong start as expected?
According to rumors, seismographs in the Croatian capital recorded ground movements a few days ago that resembled an earthquake. An explanation was quickly found: Moris Valincic had scored the winning goal for the reigning Croatian double champions in extra time against FC Thun, triggering a wave of emotion at Maksimir Stadium. We expect the match to be less exciting in our Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slaven Belupo prediction.
On the national stage, the Modri dominate proceedings at will. In particular, the offense of the Croatian record champions (26 titles) is once again showcasing its quality early in the season in this Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slaven Belupo prediction.
No other opponent in the HNL comes close to matching the high caliber of head coach Mario Kovacevic’s squad. Accordingly, the hosts are clear favorites in the Dinamo Zagreb vs. Slaven Belupo betting odds.
The Purgeri’s dominance is also reflected in their current streak. Kovacevic’s team has been unbeaten in 20 competitive matches. During this period, the reigning double champions have recorded 16 wins (4 draws) and scored 62 goals—an average of 3.10 goals per match.
Last season’s most prolific offense (93 goals in 36 games) can once again count on Dion Beljo to lead the way as the new competitive season kicks off. The 24-year-old won the top scorer title last season (31 goals). The Blues put a stop to any talk of his departure, ensuring that Beljo will continue to tear apart opposing defenses in the HNL.
Dinamo Zagreb – Slaven Belupo Head-to-Head Record
Comparisons from past years reveal a clear trend toward high-scoring victories for the Modri. Dinamo Zagreb has won its last six head-to-head matches in a row. Following their 1-0 win in March 2025, the Croatian record champions have scored over 2.5 goals in each of their five consecutive matches against Slaven Belupo.
So it’s clear: Both matches from last season also ended in decisive Zagreb victories. In both games (4–2, 4–1), the current head coaches of both clubs were on the sidelines. Furthermore, visiting coach Mario Gregurina has lost all four of his previous matches against Dinamo Zagreb.
Dinamo Zagreb – Slaven Belupo Prediction
Only relegated Vukovar 91 (73) conceded more goals last season than Slaven Belupo (61). Away from home, Gregurina’s team generally performed worse (0.86 points per competitive match) than at their home stadium (1.68 points on average).
The Farmaceuti not only scored fewer goals on the road (1.33 on average) than at home (1.63), but also conceded more goals. Conceding two goals per away game was almost a given (an average of 1.81 goals conceded). Overall, Slaven Belupo returned home with a win from only two of 18 away league games last season.
The visitors won’t be able to improve on this statistic on the first matchday of the new HNL season—the difference in quality compared to the Croatian record champions is simply too drastic. Statistically speaking, the away defense is the Farmaceuti’s biggest problem, and it will remain so for the time being.
