Europa League Preview: Dinamo Zagreb Host FCSB in Pivotal Group Stage Clash
ZAGREB, 22 January 2026 – The UEFA Europa League group stage reaches a critical juncture this evening as GNK Dinamo Zagreb welcome Romanian side FCSB to the Stadion Maksimir. With both teams positioned in the lower half of the expansive league-phase table, the match represents a vital opportunity to secure points and improve their standing for the knockout rounds.
The Stakes in Zagreb
Scheduled for a 8.00pm GMT kick-off, the fixture pits the 25th-placed Dinamo Zagreb against the 27th-placed FCSB. According to the current 2025/2026 Europa League standings, Dinamo have accrued seven points from their six matches (two wins, one draw, three losses), while their visitors sit just one point behind on six points (two wins, four losses). A victory for either side could provide a significant boost ahead of the final group matches.
Team Form and Context
Managed by Mario Kovačević, Dinamo Zagreb will be looking to leverage home advantage at their 24,851-capacity Maksimir stadium. Their recent form has been mixed, with a friendly defeat to TSV Hartberg in mid-January preceding domestic league victories in December. Key players likely to feature include the experienced defender Scott McKenna and midfielder Josip Mišić.
FCSB, the most successful club in Romanian football history (formerly known as Steaua București), arrive in Croatia following a mixed run. They secured an impressive 4-3 Europa League win over Feyenoord in December but suffered a domestic defeat to FC Argeș in their most recent outing on 16 January. The attacking threat will likely be led by midfielder Darius Olaru, who has four goals in the competition this season.
Head-to-Head and Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/2026, Matchday 7 |
| Date & Time | 22 January 2026, 20:00 UTC (8.00pm GMT) |
| Venue | Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, Croatia |
| Historical Meetings | 2 matches (both friendlies). 1 draw (1-1 in 2011), 1 goalless draw (2016). |
| Dinamo Zagreb UEL Form | W L L D W (7 points) |
| FCSB UEL Form | L W L L W (6 points) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Dinamo Zagreb vs FCSB kick off?
The match begins at 8.00pm GMT (20:00 UTC) on Thursday, 22 January 2026.
What is the history between these two clubs?
They have met only twice before, both in friendly matches. The first ended in a 1-1 draw in 2011, and the second was a 0-0 draw in 2016.
What is at stake in this match?
With both teams in the bottom half of the 36-team league phase table, points are crucial for improving their ranking and securing a more favourable draw for the knockout round play-offs.
Is FCSB the same as Steaua Bucharest?
Yes, FCSB is the current legal entity of the famous Romanian club historically known as Steaua București. They were forced to rename due to a long-running legal dispute with the Romanian Army, which owns the original Steaua brand.
Note on Rivalries
It is important to distinguish that Dinamo Zagreb’s fierce “Eternal Derby” is with Hajduk Split of Croatia. FCSB’s famous “Eternal Derby” is with Dinamo *București* of Romania. This match is a continental fixture between two clubs with no direct historical rivalry.