Bayern Munich vs. Dinamo Zagreb: Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

German powerhouses Bayern Munich will host Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday night as they begin their 17th consecutive Champions League season.

The six-time European champions had a rough season in the Bundesliga last season, but they're off to a strong start this year. Meanwhile, Dinamo is back in the hunt for glory after claiming first place in Croatia.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

Bayern Munich is a mainstay in UEFA's premier club tournament; the Bavarians have qualified for the round of 16 in each of their 17 consecutive group stage outings and have an impressive record in the first round of the Champions League.

The Bavarian team has won 36 of their 40 group matches, and they established a record with 17 consecutive victories until last season's home loss to Copenhagen.

After reclaiming first place in the league, Bayern advanced to the elimination round by defeating Lazio and Arsenal, respectively, and advancing to a semi-final showdown with Real Madrid.

They were edging closer to another final until the Spanish team scored twice in the closing minutes of the second leg to reverse the tie. This added insult to injury for Thomas Tuchel, their previous manager, who left in the summer.

Ultimately, the former Chelsea coach could not save Bayern from slipping to third place in the Bundesliga, behind new champions Bayer Leverkusen and surprise team Stuttgart.

After their worst league finish since 2011, the Reds brought in relative rookie Vincent Kompany to reinvigorate an aging team. He has presided over four consecutive victories in all competitions.

Die Roten thrashed Holstein Kiel 6-1 in their most recent match. The first goal, scored by Jamal Musiala, was timed at 14 seconds. Harry Kane, who had just earned 100 games in England, scored a hat trick.

Two Champions League meetings between Dinamo Zagreb and Bayern Munich occurred in 2015, with Robert Lewandowski scoring five goals to lead Pep Guardiola's team to victories.

Dinamo are now reigning supreme at home, but this will be their third trip in eight years, and they have failed to go beyond the group stage in each of their previous seven tries.

After winning their thirteenth domestic double (a record-extending 25th HNL championship and their seventh consecutive league success), the Croatian team will take on UEFA's revamped league phase.

The Blues advanced to the round of 16 last year after finishing second in their Europa Conference League group and prevailing over Real Betis in the playoffs. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by PAOK after winning 2-0 at home and losing 5-1 away.

In the Champions League playoffs to kick off the current season, Dinamo extended their lengthy undefeated record in all competitions with a 5-0 aggregate win against Qarabag.

Last week, they lost at home to Hajduk Split, their archrivals, and fell from first place in the league. Before that, they had gone 23 matches without a loss, beginning in January.

Bayern Munich x Dinamo Zagreb Team News

Bayern Munich's starting eleven should be available to coach Vincent Kompany midweek after Leroy Sane's first matchday comeback this season on Saturday.

Die Roten will be without summer acquisition Hiroki Ito (foot), along with Josip Stanisic (knee), Tarek Buchmann (thigh), and the rest of the team.

There is a lot of competition for spots in the final third, with Michael Olise, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Muller, Mathys Tel, and Jamal Musiala expected to start in support of Harry Kane. Last weekend, Kane scored his fifth hat trick and 40th goal in 35 Bundesliga games.

With their loss in Croatia's 'eternal derby' under their belts, Dinamo Zagreb coach Sergej Jakirovic may shake things up by starting Sandro Kulenovic.

The 24-year-old attacker has scored five goals in six league games this season. He entered the game at halftime in Friday's defeat to Hajduk Split.

In any case, Bruno Petkovic, a Croatian striker, will start up front, with Petar Sucic and Martin Baturina, both international colleagues, starting in the middle of the field.

Our Prediction

Bayern Munich to win & Over 2.5 goals @1.35 on Sky247.ng

On the opening day of the Champions League, Dinamo faces a formidable opponent in Bayern, who have won 20 of their last 25 home games with just one loss.

The hosts are in a fortunate position to capitalize on their multitude of effective offensive weapons and immediately earn three points.

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