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Shakhtar Donetsk & Dinamo Zagreb Both -105 Odds to Advance From UCL Group C

Sam Cox

by Sam Cox in Soccer News

Updated Jan 4, 2023 · 5:46 AM PST

Dinamo Zagreb
Croatians Dinamo Zagreb gained a big result by drawing Shakhtar in the Ukraine this week. Photo By @gnkdinamo (Twitter)
  • Matchday 3 draw leaves Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb level
  • Atalanta yet to pick up a point
  • Dinamo and Shakhtar meet in Croatia on matchday 4

Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb played out an enthralling 2-2 draw at Metalist Stadium in midweek, leaving Champions League Group C beautifully poised ahead of Matchday 4. The two teams meet again on November 6. The draw did little though for either of their outright Champions League odds.

Dinamo are ahead of Shakhtar on goal difference with both teams currently on four points. Manchester City have a perfect record and can confirm their spot in the last 16 with victory over Atalanta in their next match. The Serie A side are still searching for their first point of the campaign after getting thrashed 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night.

Champions League Group C Odds

Team Odds to Advance Odds to Not Advance Odds to Win Group
Manchester City N/A N/A -10000
Shakhtar Donetsk -105 -135 +3300
Dinamo Zagreb -105 -135 +5000
Atalanta +800 -1200 N/A

Odds taken October 25, 2019

Dinamo’s Threat

As the odds suggest, it will come down to Shakhtar and Dinamo for the second qualification spot. Their clash in Ukraine was more competitive than the hosts’ 65% possession suggested. Although they dominated the ball throughout, chance creation was relatively similar for both teams. Despite registering 12 shots apiece, it was arguably Dinamo who posed the greater threat.

Mislav Orsic was superb throughout, creating the first, hitting the post and scoring from the spot. Orsic’s performance in the next match will be crucial with the pattern of the game likely to be similar in Zagreb – his decision making on the counter-attack will prove pivotal in what could turn out to be the decisive match for qualification.

Atalanta’s Role

With results going their way, Atalanta could yet qualify, but their defensive performances thus far make it impossible to back them even at +800. A Europa League spot is still up for grabs, however. How Gian Piero Gasperini approaches the remaining group games will be interesting, hosting Dinamo on Matchday 5 and heading to Ukraine on Matchday 6, the Serie A side could play a major role in the outcome of Group C.

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Atalanta’s struggles in the Champions League aren’t representative of the team they are. The Bergamo-based team sit third in Serie A and have been scoring goals for fun. The offense, led by Alejandro Gomez, could snatch points off Dinamo or Shakhtar if Gasperini keeps naming full-strength teams. Atalanta have a superb away record domestically – they could take something from Ukraine on Matchday 6.

Big Decisions for Guardiola

With City set to secure qualification with matches to spare, Pep Guardiola’s team selections are another variable to consider. City are fighting on all fronts, and if they’ve guaranteed top spot, may name a weakened line-up in Zagreb on Matchday 6.

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City’s ‘weakened line-up’ is still a force to be reckoned with, of course, but it might just give Dinamo a chance at an unlikely point that could make all the difference.

Croatians Favored

The draw in Ukraine was huge for Dinamo. With home advantage over Shakhtar, and not having to face City until the group stage finale, they just have the edge at the moment. Defeat for either side at Stadion Maksimir will put them in a very difficult position, but it won’t rule them out with the uncertainty surrounding Atalanta and Manchester City over the remaining matches.

Pick: Dinamo Zagreb to qualify

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