Lokomotiva Zagreb to progress in Champions League qualifying versus Rapid Wien
Lokomotiva Zagreb vs Rapid Wien - 26/08/2020
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Croatia’s Lokomotiva Zagreb finished off their domestic season in second place last term. Their reward is entering the Champions League at the second qualifying round and a date with Austria’s Rapid Wien.
Rapid Wien were runners-up in the 2019-20 Austrian Bundesliga thanks to LASK Linz being deducted 12 points for breaking coronavirus rules. LASK Linz’s loss is now Rapid Wein’s gain. The Austrian club are just three wins away from making the Champions League group stage.
Wednesday night’s game won’t be an easy pathway into the third qualifying round, however. Rapid Wien must go away to Croatia to take on Lokomotiva. It is a difficult task even with the match played behind closed doors.
Lokomotiva Zagreb have already begun their domestic league season in Croatia. Things did not start well as on opening day, they were blasted 6-0 by Dinamo Zagreb in a local derby.
On matchday 2, Lokomotiva Zagreb did make amens for their poor outing by winning 1-0 versus Rijeka. Coincidentally, Rijeka defeated Lokomotiva Zagreb in the Croatian Cup final on August 1. Lokomotiva Zagreb’s goal versus Rijeka on matchday 2 came from Dino Halilovic in the second half.
Unlike Lokomotiva Zagreb, Rapid Wien have not started their domestic campaign. Their domestic season won’t begin until September 11th.
Rapid Wien forward Taxiarchis Fountas scored 20 goals in 29 games in all competitions last season. He was the leading light in Rapid Wien’s attack. He will be tasked with challenging Lokomotiva Zagreb’s defenders on Wednesday night.
As Lokomotiva Zagreb gave up six goals on opening day to Dinamo Zagreb, they could be fragile at the back. Although Rapid Wien could be fresh and ready to attack, Lokomotiva Zagreb have played competitive games more recently.
Their recent run of fixture should help them after the end of the 2019-20 season was so crazy. The Croatians will also be playing at home. Even though fans are barred, the familiar surroundings should help.
In many ways, Lokomotiva Zagreb are an unknown in the Champions League qualifying rounds. The club just sold goalkeeper Ivo Grbic to Atletico Madrid for a Croatian transfer record. His place is likely to be taken by Brazilian Alex dos Santos.
Dos Santos was part of the deal as the Atletico Madrid academy product joined Lokomotiva Zagreb to gain first-team opportunities. He should get plenty of them.
So, which side will claim a big Champions League second qualifying round win? Lokomotiva Zagreb have got competitive matches under their belt and should progress with a win over Rapid Wien.
It won’t be easy as both teams score and over 2.5 goals go into the back of the net. The Croatian side will be the one to progress.
Home team
Away team
Pred
Correct score
Avg. goals
Weather conditions
Coef.
Score
Live
coef.
UCL
363034
1
2 - 1
3.18
25°
4.55
4.55
4.00
1.65
1
1
-1
0 - 1(0 - 1)
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