The first ninety minutes weren't enough to settle the UEFA Europa League qualifier between Paks and CFR Cluj. The Romanian and Hungarian sides played out a goalless draw, leaving all qualification talks for the second leg. That 0-0 result slightly favors CFR Cluj, who will now play the return leg at home at the Constantin Rădulescu Stadium, where they recently won their 2025/26 Superliga season opener. The hosts, led by Dan Petrescu (a symbolic figure in Romanian football), are coming off a season that fell short of expectations. They finished third in the league but claimed their fifth Romanian Cup title. However, the excitement of that cup win was dampened by a defeat in the Romanian Supercup final earlier this July, losing to league champions FCSB. The goal of reaching the second qualifying round is within reach for the “Railwaymen,” who, despite the 0-0 in the first leg, were the more dangerous side and created more chances. On the other hand, Paks are still in the midst of preseason, which was evident in the first leg where they were on the back foot for large parts of the match. Still, the Hungarian side did hit the post with a powerful shot, nearly scoring a crucial away goal. Having failed to capitalize on their home advantage, Bognár’s men now face a tough task: they must win on a challenging ground like CFR Cluj’s. Since another draw would only take the game into extra time, both teams will push harder in this second leg to continue their European journey, aiming to surpass last year’s result when both sides reached the third qualifying round.

CFR Cluj's Recent Form and Key Stats

After losing the Romanian Supercup final to FCSB on July 5, CFR Cluj bounced back with a goalless draw away at Paks and a 2-1 victory over Unirea Slobozia in the opening round of the 2025/26 Superliga, with Dumbravanu scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.

Having won six of their last seven home games, playing at the Constantin Rădulescu Stadium is a major asset ahead of this return leg. In fact, their home form goes even deeper: just one loss in their last fourteen home matches across all competitions.

Paks' Recent Form and Key Stats

With the Hungarian league (Nemzeti Bajnokság I - NBI) on pause since May 23, Paks are still gearing up for the 2025/26 season. Between June and July, they played five friendlies, winning four and losing one. In their last official match, they held CFR Cluj to a 0-0 home draw, keeping the tie open.

Last season, György Bognár’s team had strong away form, losing just once in their last eleven away matches across league and Hungarian Cup fixtures—the latter of which they won for the fifth time in their history.

CFR Cluj vs Paks Prediction and Tactical Overview

According to BetMines’ algorithm, CFR Cluj are clear favorites to win this second leg and secure progression. The probability for a home win (sign 1) stands at 55%, with a draw (X) at 23% and an away win (2) at 22%.

CFR Cluj are in better physical condition, having already kicked off their domestic campaign. Even in the first leg, despite Paks hitting the post, Cluj created more scoring chances, particularly from set-pieces and long-range efforts by Korenica.

Petrescu's men can also count on the home crowd, a factor that often proves decisive in knockout ties. The overall feeling is that CFR Cluj, backed by their fans, have the edge to take the win.

BetMines also gives a 51% probability that at least one of the two teams will fail to score. Given that CFR Cluj are favorites, it’s likely that Paks could be the team kept off the scoresheet in this return leg.

• CFR Cluj vs Paks Prediction by BetMines: CFR Cluj win (sign 1) – 55%
  
  
• CFR Cluj vs Paks BetMines Prediction: At least one team will not score – 51%

CFR Cluj vs Paks Predicted Lineups

CFR CLUJ (4-3-3): Hindrich; Abeid, Bolgado, Ilie, Camora; Muhar, Emerllahu, Korenica; Nkololo, Gjorgjievski, Kamara. Manager: Petrescu

PAKS (3-5-2): Kovacsik; Lenzser, Vas, Vecsei; Hinora, Papp, Windecker, Balogh, Zeke; Haraszti, Toth.
Manager: Bognar