The first leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Europa League between CFR Cluj (Romania) and Braga (Portugal) will take place on August 7 at the Constantin Radulescu Stadium in Cluj-Napoca. CFR Cluj vs. Braga: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
CFR Cluj
With great difficulty, the Romanians advanced past Lugano in the previous stage of the tournament. Both matches of this encounter ended in a goalless draw, but thanks to a goal scored in extra time in Switzerland, Dan Petrescu's team moved to the next round of the European competition. Notably, the last time CFR played in the Europa League qualifiers was in 2014, but they did not progress past the third qualifying round then.
- In their last 11 Europa League matches, the Romanians have secured only 1 win in regular time (5 draws and 5 losses).
- At least one team failed to score in 90 minutes in CFR Cluj's last 4 games in this European competition.
- No more than two goals were scored in regular time in 7 of the last 10 home matches of the Romanians in this tournament.
Predicted lineup for CFR Cluj (4-3-3)
Otto Hindrich – Mario Camora, Matej Ilie, Sheriff Sinyan, Antonio Bosec – Alin Fica, Meriton Korenica, Damjan Djokovic – Beni Nkololo, Louis Munteanu, Virgiliu Postolachi.
Braga
Like the Romanians, the Portuguese also finished both of their matches in the previous Europa League stage with a 0-0 scoreline. However, Carlos Vicente's team advanced in the tournament thanks to a single goal scored against Levski in extra time during the return leg at their home ground. Last season, Braga also started from the second qualifying round of this European competition and eventually reached the main stage.
- The club has not lost in regular time in 13 of their last 17 Europa League matches (8 wins and 5 draws).
- At least one team failed to score in 90 minutes in 5 of Braga's last 6 matches in this tournament.
- The Portuguese have a 6-match winless streak in regular time in this European competition (3 draws and 3 losses).
Predicted lineup for Braga (4-3-3)
Lukasz Gorniak – Gustav Lagerbielke, Paulo Oliveira, Sikou Niakate, Vitor Carvalho Vieira – Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Joao Moutinho, Mario Dorgeles – Ricardo Horta, Rodrigo Salazar, Roger Fernandes.
Referee
Elchin Masiev (Azerbaijan)
Matches – 3 (International matches, 2024/25 – 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 14;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 33%.
Match Prediction: CFR Cluj vs. Braga
Both teams failed to score over 180 minutes in the previous stage, but also did not allow their opponents to score. It is likely that the upcoming encounter will also feature a low number of goals, with both clubs focusing on defense. The Romanians rarely showcase high scoring at their arena – in 6 previous Europa League matches, they only managed to score more than 1 goal once. Similarly, the Portuguese have not scored two or more goals in their last 5 away matches in this European competition.
Additionally, it is highly probable that CFR will avoid defeat in Cluj. The Portuguese have been winless in their last 6 away Europa League matches. Meanwhile, the Romanians have decent home records – only 2 losses in their last 11 matches in this European competition.
Considering the above, I suggest a combined prediction – "1X and Total Under 3.5 goals"
