Dinamo Zagreb handed tough Europa League draw

(Photo: V&A Dudush/CC BY 3.0)

Dinamo Zagreb have learned their opponents for the upcoming Europa League group phase following Friday’s computerised draw at UEFA headquarters.

The Croatian champions will play four matches in front of their fans at Maksimir, where they will welcome Spanish sides Real Betis and Celta Vigo, Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, and Romanian club FCSB.

Away from home, Dinamo will face a challenging schedule with trips to French side Lille, Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv, Danish club Midtjylland, and Swedish champions Malmö.

The first round of group matches is scheduled for 24 and 25 September, with the following rounds taking place on 2 October, 23 October, 6 November, 27 November, 11 December 2025, as well as 22 and 29 January 2026.

Kick-off times will vary between 16:30, 18:45 and 21:00 CET.

The new league format means that after eight rounds, the top eight teams in the overall standings will progress directly to the round of 16. Clubs finishing between 9th and 24th will contest play-off ties for the remaining places. Those matches are set for 19 and 26 February 2026.

The round of 16 ties will be played on 12 and 19 March, quarter-finals on 9 and 16 April, and semi-finals on 30 April and 7 May.

The 2025/26 Europa League season will conclude with the final in Istanbul, scheduled for 20 May 2026 at the stadium of Turkish side Beşiktaş.

The exact fixture schedule will be confirmed by Sunday, 31 August.