The second leg of the Europa League 2025/26 third qualifying round between Braga (Portugal) and CFR Cluj (Romania) will take place on August 14 at the Municipal Stadium. The first leg ended with a 2-1 victory for Braga. Braga vs. CFR Cluj: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Braga
The Portuguese side capitalized on their chances to defeat the Romanians 2-1 away. Now, to advance to the playoff round of the Europa League, they need only to avoid defeat at home. Notably, Braga is unbeaten in their last four matches in this tournament (2 wins and 2 draws), conceding only one goal in this series.
- Braga has not lost in regular time in 14 of their last 18 Europa League matches (9 wins and 5 draws).
- They have not scored more than one goal in 90 minutes in 5 of their last 6 matches in this tournament.
- In their last 8 home matches in this European competition, Braga has conceded more than one goal in regular time only once.
Predicted lineup for Braga (4-3-3)
Lukasz Hornicek – Gustav Lagerbielke, Paulo Oliveira, Sikou Niakate, Vitor Carvalho Vieira – Jean-Baptiste Gorby, João Moutinho, Ricardo Horta – Mario Dorgeles, Rodrigo Salazar, Fran Navarro.
CFR Cluj
The Romanians find themselves in a tough spot after a home defeat. To advance to the next round of this European competition, they need to win away by at least two goals. A one-goal victory would result in extra time. It's worth noting that in their last 12 Europa League matches, the club has only one win in regular time (5 draws and 6 losses).
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 8 of Cluj's last 11 games in this tournament.
- CFR is on a 5-match winless streak away in this European competition (2 draws and 3 losses).
- The club has scored only one goal in regular time in their last five away Europa League matches.
Predicted lineup for CFR Cluj (4-3-3)
Otto Hindrich – Mario Camora, Matei Ilie, Sherif Sinyan, Antonio Bosec – Alin Fica, Meriton Korenica, Damjan Djokovic – Beni Nkololo, Louis Munteanu, Virgiliu Postolachi.
Referee
Sascha Stegemann (Germany)
Matches – 7 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 56;
Average yellow cards per match – 8;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 28;
Penalties – 29%.
Braga vs. CFR Cluj: Match Prediction
The first match clearly showed that the 4th team of the Portuguese Primeira is stronger than the 2nd from the Romanian Superliga. Even before the start of the Portuguese championship, Braga managed to handle Cluj without much difficulty, who have already played four rounds in their league and two stages of Europa League qualification. I am confident that Carlos Vicente's side will also win the return leg, and with a more convincing scoreline.
At home in this European competition, Braga has impressive stats. In their last 18 home matches, they have secured 12 wins, drawn 3 times, and suffered only 3 losses. Meanwhile, the Romanians have not won in their last five away matches in this European competition, scoring just one goal during this run.
My prediction: Braga with a handicap (-1.5)
