Arsenal face the biggest game of the season in the Champions League vs Dinamo Zagreb – here’s why

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Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates is more important than some may think.

Having overcome the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting CP in the Champions League, on paper, Arsenal face a simpler task next.

Dinamo Zagreb will arrive at the Emirates on Wednesday night, in the penultimate fixture of the new format’s league phase.

While Mikel Arteta will approach the fixture like any other game, the Spaniard must be alerted to just how crucial a win against the Croatian side could be. 

• READ MORE: Champions League 24/25: Group stage draw date, new format, Arsenal potential opponents, full schedule and more

Why Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb is a must-win

Since Arsenal’s win over Monaco in December, the Gunners haven’t featured in the Champions League however, action is about to resume.

Dinamo Zagreb will head to the Emirates in 24th place in the Champions League table, while Arsenal sit comfortably in third. 

The fixture against Zagreb holds great importance, as a win could all but confirm the Gunners’ place in the round of 16. 

It’s integral that Arsenal don’t finish below eighth place to avoid playing a two-legged knock-out phase play-off, which would allow Arteta’s side to have a break. 

This brings us to the primary reason why a win over Zagreb is a must, as automatically qualifying for the next round could hand Arteta the chance for another mid-season trip. 

Automatically progressing into the Champions League round of 16 and being knocked out of the FA Cup would see a gap in the schedule for Arteta to exploit with a break. 

Arteta hopes to take the Arsenal squad on a trip just as he did last season, as the Gunners were transformed by their training camp in Dubai.

Upon returning from their time in Dubai, Arsenal went unbeaten in 11 Premier League games and conceded only four goals, something that’s needed at this moment. 

Winter break essential for Arsenal to reconnect

Arsenal’s trip to Dubai in 2024 was essential, as Arteta aimed to get the squad and their families together for an intense yet, connected, mid-season trip.

Right now, the idea of another break in play would be cherished, as the Gunners have had a trialling start to 2025, winning just two of the six games they’ve played in all competitions.

If another trip to Dubai, or elsewhere, can be planned, many will hope that the Arsenal squad can be refuelled as intensely as they were last year.

It could be the missing piece to the puzzle amid Arteta’s squad depth struggles, with all eyes on what the Gunners can get done in the Champions League.