Dinamo Zagreb vs Betis (Europa League): odds and picks 11.12.2025

A very interesting match on 11 December at Maksimir: Dinamo will be playing for a large part of their European chances against a Betis side that has almost done its job in the group stage, but is keen to avenge its elimination from the 2024 Conference, when the Croatians knocked them out.
In terms of context, we are talking about a Dinamo side that is strong at home and top or joint top of their league, although somewhat punished in Europe after two recent heavy defeats, against a Betis side that is coming off a crazy 3-5 win over Barça in LaLiga and is competing very well away from home.

The home advantage in Zagreb, the pitch, the weather and the pressure of a decisive match all weigh heavily, but so do Betis’ current form and their superior quality in attack. The appointment of a referee with a medium-high card-giving profile and the need for both sides to get a result make me think this will be a tense match with chances and plenty of back and forth at certain stages.

Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo is competing well in Croatia: it remains at the top of the 1. HNL, fighting for the lead with Hajduk and maintaining a solid dynamic, although with some recent setbacks that have adjusted the standings. At home, at Maksimir, their performance continues to be their strong point: most of their victories this season have come at home, and it is no coincidence that several analysts highlight their 7/10 recent home wins between the league and Europe.

In the Europa League, their performance has been inconsistent: they started strongly, picking up seven points in the first three games, but have since faltered with heavy defeats to Celta and Lille, which now means they must get points against Betis to stay alive. They are a team that has been involved in high-scoring games: four of their last five European matches have gone over 2.5 goals, a sign that they struggle at the back when the opposition raises their game, but also that they always create chances.

Key players: Ljubičić coming in from the second line, Misic controlling the tempo and Lisica and Hoxha providing the final pass; Dinamo has good ball control and set pieces. I see their weak point in defensive transitions: their back line suffers when they lose the ball in open play, and against a Betis side that punishes space well, this could be decisive. If the game breaks down, Dinamo are very dangerous, but they also expose themselves a lot.

Real Betis

Betis are having a very serious season: in LaLiga they are in the European zone, with a positive goal difference and having played in many high-scoring matches, such as the 3-5 against Barcelona, which reflects both their attacking prowess and their defensive weaknesses. In the Europa League, Pellegrini’s team is at the top of the joint standings, with three wins and two draws (11 points), only one defeat in the league phase and a +5 goal difference, which speaks to a competitive and reliable side.

Away from home, Betis are performing really well: several statistical models highlight that they are yet to lose away from home in Europe this season and that they tend to strike first on the scoreboard, which fits with the impression of a Betis side that manages the tempo and moments of the game well. In attack, players such as Antony, Ez Abde and Bakambu are contributing in Europe, with goals spread across the team and second lines such as Roca and Fornals providing assists and attacking threat.

In terms of absences, the absence of Sofyan Amrabat until 2026 is significant, as it reduces the physical presence and authority in midfield, as are the absences at left-back (Ricardo Rodríguez suspended and Junior injured), which mean that academy player De Roa will have to step up. The good news is the gradual return of Lo Celso, who could be key between the lines, although he is still lacking match fitness. My feeling is that Betis has more overall quality and more offensive resources, but it could also suffer if the match becomes too physical and focused on second plays.

Referee: Goga Kikacheishvili

Georgian Goga Kikacheishvili has been appointed by UEFA for this Dinamo Zagreb–Betis match, with a Georgian refereeing team and Englishman Peter Bankes on VAR. He is a referee who is gaining presence in European competitions: in recent years, he has averaged around 4-4.5 yellow cards per game and around 0.3-0.4 red cards, meaning he is not one of the most permissive referees, but neither is he an extreme ‘card hunter’.

In UEFA contexts such as the Conference League and qualifying rounds, he has shown similar statistics, with matches in which he has shown between 5 and 7 yellow cards without overusing penalties. There are no clear references to his previous matches with Dinamo or Betis, so there is no specific pattern with these clubs, but based on his profile, I expect an average disciplinary standard: if the match gets rough, he could easily give out 5–7 yellow cards in total, but he is not the typical 8–10 card referee unless the situation is very heated.

My predictions for Dinamo Zagreb vs Betis

BeniThe conservative one

 Over 1.5 goals in the match. Odds 1.35.

Why do I like it? Dinamo has seen 4 of its last 5 European matches exceed the 2.5-goal line, and Betis is coming off a 3-5 loss to Barça and has a clearly offensive profile in Europe. Both teams need points, and I don’t see a prolonged 0-0 scoreline: as soon as one team scores, the rest of the match will open up. It’s a simple pick, with margin and backed by the recent trend of both teams.

BetoThe bold one

Betis to win and both teams to score (Betis & BTTS: Yes). Odds 3.75.

My reasoning: I have a little more confidence in Betis’ quality and depth, as they are also performing well away from home and tend to strike first. However, I cannot see Dinamo failing to score at Maksimir in a do-or-die match: they are dangerous from set pieces and have a threat from the second line. The combo reflects exactly the scenario I imagine: Betis winning by a narrow margin, but with a competitive Dinamo also finding the net. It’s a risky pick, yes, but with high odds that make up for it and very much in line with the recent form of both teams.

If you’re looking for something more moderate, another option is Betis double chance (X2) + over 1.5 goals, which usually ranges between 1.65 and 1.80.