After struggling more than expected in the previous round, CFR Cluj and Sporting Braga will face each other on Thursday, August 7 at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round. The Romanian vice-champions began their campaign by comfortably eliminating PAKS, winning 3-0 at home and drawing 0-0 in Hungary. Things got more complicated in the second round against Lugano. After a goalless first leg in Switzerland, Dan Petrescu's men only managed to qualify thanks to a goal in the early minutes of extra time by Sinyan in the return leg. Cluj are also competing in the Romanian SuperLiga, where after four rounds they sit in 13th place with only 4 points. Securing a good result against Braga at home is crucial not only to approach the second leg with confidence but also to gain momentum for their upcoming league fixtures. Sporting Braga, on the other hand, entered qualification directly in the second round, having finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last season. With the Portuguese league yet to kick off this weekend, Carlos Vicens' side struggled in their first official outing of the new season. Just like Cluj against PAKS, Braga needed extra time to overcome Levski Sofia, with all 180 minutes ending in a 0-0 draw. The deadlock was finally broken by Fran Navarro in the 104th minute. In what promises to be a tight and balanced fixture, the Portuguese side may hold the advantage thanks to their greater international experience. Sporting Braga are regulars in the Europa League, having reached the group stage in each of the last six seasons. By contrast, CFR Cluj haven’t featured in the competition since the 2020/21 season.

CFR Cluj's Recent Form and Key Stats

CFR Cluj are coming off a 3-2 home defeat to Universitatea Craiova, their second loss in the last three games. It’s a tough spell for Dan Petrescu’s side, who are now winless in their last five matches across the Europa League and SuperLiga — drawing three and losing two, with an average of 0.6 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per match.

Despite offensive struggles, the Romanian defense has been solid in European qualifiers so far, keeping clean sheets in both legs against Lugano and PAKS. At home, Cluj are a tough opponent, having lost only two of their last 19 matches. More broadly, they’ve lost just five of their last 40 games, home and away combined.

Sporting Braga's Recent Form and Key Stats

While waiting for their Primeira Liga debut on August 10 against Tondela, Sporting Braga come into this match with momentum from a strong preseason and a 1-0 aggregate win over Levski Sofia in the Europa League Second Qualifying Round. That said, they found it harder than expected, needing extra time to clinch the tie.

Across preseason and competitive matches, Braga's defense has stood out — keeping clean sheets against Levski Sofia, as well as in friendlies against Moreirense, Wolfsberger, and Ferreira. Including the end of last season, Braga have now lost just one of their last 12 matches, with six draws and five wins.

CFR Cluj vs Sporting Braga Prediction and Tactical Overview

The clash between CFR Cluj and Sporting Braga is expected to be tight and low-scoring. The BetMines prediction leans toward an Under 2.5 goals outcome — that is, less than three total goals in the match. Both sides have struggled offensively in recent European ties, with each progressing only after a narrow 1-0 win.

While attacks have lacked sharpness, defensive solidity has been a consistent theme — particularly for Cluj, who were frequently under pressure against Lugano but held firm. Four of CFR’s last five matches have ended with under 2.5 goals, as have six of Braga’s last eight.

As for the final result, there’s a strong chance that Braga avoid defeat, either with a draw or a narrow win. The BetMines tip leans toward a Double Chance X2, factoring in the Portuguese side’s greater European pedigree and the higher overall quality of their squad.

Tactically, expect Braga to dominate possession, orchestrated by the experienced João Moutinho (formerly of Porto, Monaco, and Wolves), while Cluj will likely focus on counterattacks and set pieces to create danger. The Romanian side will probably concede the initiative and rely on compact defending and fast transitions.

• CFR Cluj vs Sporting Braga Prediction by BetMines: Sporting Braga to win or draw (Double Chance X2) – 69% probability
  
  
• CFR Cluj vs Sporting Braga Prediction by BetMines: Under 2.5 goals – 55% probability

Probable Lineups: CFR Cluj vs Sporting Braga

CFR CLUJ (4-3-3): Hindrich; Camora, Ilie, Sinyan, Bosec; Korenica, Djokovic, Fica; Nkololo, Munteanu, Postolachi. Coach: Dan Petrescu

SPORTING BRAGA (4-3-3): Hornicek; Carvalho, Oliveira, Niakaté, Lagerbielke; Dorgeles, Moutinho, Gorby; Horta, Fernandes, Zalazar. Coach: Carlos Vicens