While top European clubs battle it out in the Club World Cup semifinals, the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League officially kicks off on Thursday, July 10, with the first qualifying round fixtures. Among the most intriguing and unpredictable matches is the clash at the Fehérvári úti Stadion between Hungarian side Paks and Romanian champions CFR Cluj. Paks come into this fixture off the back of a strong domestic season, finishing third in the league and, more importantly, winning the second Hungarian Cup in their history. Not bad for a club that only reached the top division two decades ago. Their most recent European adventure dates back to last season, when they were knocked out in the first Europa League qualifying round but came within a step of reaching the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage, only falling in the final playoff against Czech side Mladá Boleslav. CFR Cluj, meanwhile, ended their season in second place in Romania's Liga I and lifted the Romanian Cup. Under head coach Dan Petrescu, a former Romanian football legend, the team boasts extensive European experience, having reached both the UEFA Champions League group stage and the Europa League Round of 32 between 2008 and 2013. In recent years, after winning five domestic titles between 2017 and 2022, Cluj has seen its dominance wane, with FCSB—last season's league winner—now back on top. Cluj’s most recent European run came in the 2022/23 Conference League, where they advanced from the group stage before being eliminated by Lazio in the knockout play-off round. Looking ahead to the July 10 showdown at Fehérvári úti Stadion, expect 90 hard-fought, intense minutes. Neither team will want to give up the dream of playing European football this season.

Paks Recent Form and Key Stats

Paks officially concluded their 2024/25 season on May 23, drawing 1-1 against Kecskeméti on the final day of the OTP Bank Liga. That result secured third place with 57 points (16 wins, 9 draws, 8 losses) and earned them a spot in the first qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League.

Since the season ended, Gyorgy Bognar's men have played four friendly matches to build match fitness ahead of this crucial two-legged tie, winning three (against lower-division Hungarian sides) and losing one against Romanian outfit Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc.

CFR Cluj Recent Form and Key Stats

CFR Cluj’s new season began on a sour note, suffering a 2-1 loss in the Romanian Super Cup final against FCSB. Dan Petrescu's side earned their spot in the match by winning the 2024/25 Romanian Cup, defeating Hermannstadt 3-2 in the final on May 14. In Liga I, however, they finished second, 9 points behind FCSB.

Just like their Hungarian opponents, CFR Cluj prepared for the upcoming Europa League qualifier with several friendlies. In four matches against Eastern European opposition, including Slovan Bratislava and Debrecen, Cluj recorded three wins and a draw, showcasing solid pre-season form.

Paks vs CFR Cluj Prediction and Tactical Overview

The Paks vs CFR Cluj prediction by BetMines forecasts a closely contested match, with both sides likely to score.

Paks will look to make the most of their home advantage. Before the end of the domestic campaign, they had lost just once in their last ten home matches, winning six and drawing three. They’ve also scored and conceded in each of their last four home games—evidence of a team that’s consistently dangerous in attack but leaky at the back, even on home turf.

CFR Cluj showed solid away form toward the end of last season, losing only two of their last twelve away games in all competitions. They’ve also scored in nearly every away match since last November, suggesting they are well positioned to find the net at Fehérvári úti Stadion.

As for the final outcome, BetMines’ prediction leans towards a balanced game that could end in a draw or a narrow away win for CFR Cluj. With greater squad depth and more international experience, Dan Petrescu’s side may have the edge needed to avoid defeat in this tricky away fixture.

• Paks vs CFR Cluj Prediction by BetMines: Both Teams to Score – 59%
  
  
• Paks vs CFR Cluj Prediction by BetMines: Double Chance X2 (Draw or CFR Cluj win) – 64%

Predicted Lineups Paks vs CFR Cluj

PAKS (3-5-2): Kovacsik; Vecsei, Kynyik, Vas; Osvath, Balogh, Papp, Windecker, Gyurkits; Bode, Toth.
Manager: Gyorgy Bognar

CFR CLUJ (4-2-3-1): Hindrich; Abeid, Sinyan, Bolgado, Camora; Djokovic, Emerllahu; Sfait, Paun, Kamara; Postolachi. Manager: Dan Petrescu