Having taken three points in Altach, our focus is now on the UEFA Champions League clash at Dinamo Zagreb. If we win on Tuesday, we can dream a little of a spot in the last 16. Nothing less than a superb performance will suffice, however.
How to beat the Croats? The first clash a few days ago offered some possible options:
#1 | Keep the attack quiet
Dinamo have struggled to impose their game on opposition teams in Europe. When it comes to passes in the final third, Cacic's boys just have around half the values of Chelsea, Milan and our boys. Their expected-goals value has not been higher than 0.66 so far.
#2 | Prepare for battle
The Croats have maintained the upper hand in the 1-3 defeat at the San Siro as well as at the Red Bull Arena in all challenge statistics. Dinamo have played a back three in the competition, giving them a numerical advantage at the back.
#3 | Focus on the Champions League
Zagreb had their league clash at NK Istra this weekend postponed in order to concentrate fully on our boys. We know how to preserve our strength though, with coach Matthias Jaissle selecting nine new players against Altach – giving our heroes from Wednesday some deserved time off.
#4 | The 12th man
While our boys had the benefit of a fantastic home support in the 'first leg', Dinamo may have the advantage in this regard at the Maksimir Stadium. In the league they are unbeaten on their own ground, while in Europe they beat Chelsea at home.
#5 | Take a chance
It may well come down to a clinical touch or two on the day. Sesko and the boys hit 18 shots on Wednesday, with six hitting the target guarded by Zagreb goalkeeper Livakovic. It took a penalty to make the breakthrough though.
It remains to be seen what lessons our boys have gained from the first meeting - we can't wait to find out on Tuesday at 21:00 CET.
