FC Thun vs Dinamo Zagreb - UEFA Champions League

Few would have predicted the narrative arc that brings FC Thun and Dinamo Zagreb together at the home ground on July 21, 2026, and the underdog storyline only adds to the UEFA Champions League occasion. Real have been keen to sign the Spain captain from Manchester City, but they now face competition from Barcelona for the 30-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract at the Etihad.

Both FC Thun and Dinamo Zagreb will be eager to build momentum when they meet in UEFA Champions League. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. On Wednesday night, Infantino was given the "full support" of FIFA's management board in a statement despite being forced to abandon his plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. FC Thun will look to impose their style on home soil, while Dinamo Zagreb are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. City also want to continue improving their attack, with a top left-winger still in the offing too.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Talisca — 4 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Mikel Arteta has prioritised another versatile defender following injury problems involving William Saliba and Jurriën Timber.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 1-1 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the UEFA Champions League fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Important qualities given that Bournemouth will expect him to be proactive.