The Estádio Municipal de Braga in Portugal is the setting for a crucial UEFA Europa League qualifying second-leg match between Braga and CFR Cluj. Braga comes into this home fixture with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Romania, placing them in a strong position to advance.
However, CFR Cluj, with a valuable away goal, will be hoping to cause an upset. This Braga vs CFR Cluj preview will provide a thorough analysis of the home vs away review, offering valuable insights and betting tips for a match that promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Braga vs CFR Cluj Match Preview/Betting Preview
Team Recent Form
Braga: WDWWW CFR Cluj: WLDLL
Key Stats
- Braga secured a crucial 2-1 away victory in the first leg, giving them a one-goal advantage and an away goal.
- Braga has a very strong home record, and their possession-based, attacking style is a tough challenge for any visiting team.
- CFR Cluj has struggled for form recently, with only two wins in their last nine matches, and has displayed poor defensive discipline.
Correct Score Prediction
Braga 2-0 CFR Cluj. Braga’s superior form and home advantage make them the clear favorites to win this match. CFR Cluj will be forced to push forward, leaving gaps in their defense which Braga’s potent attack, led by Ricardo Horta and Fran Navarro, will be able to exploit. Expect Braga to control the game from the start and secure a comfortable victory to progress to the next round.
Braga vs CFR Cluj H2H
- The teams have faced each other three times in the past.
- Braga has one win, while CFR Cluj has two wins.
- The most recent match was Braga’s 2-1 away win in the first leg of this tie.
- In their previous two encounters in the UEFA Champions League back in 2012, CFR Cluj won both matches (3-1 and 2-0).
Pre-game odds
- Braga win: 1.37
- Draw: 4.10
- CFR Cluj win: 7.50
Team News Braga
Braga’s manager, Carlos Vicens, has been rotating his squad to ensure his key players are fresh for this important European tie. While there are a few minor injury concerns, including a potential absence for winger Vítor Carvalho, the team is expected to field a strong lineup with stars like Ricardo Horta and João Moutinho starting. The recent signing of Pau Victor from Barcelona provides another exciting attacking option.
Team News CFR Cluj
CFR Cluj will be missing several key players due to injury, including Adrian Paun, Kenneth Omeruo, and Lindon Emerllahu. New manager Dan Petrescu will have a tough task on his hands, as he tries to find a way to break down a solid Braga defense without some of his main attacking threats. He will likely rely on the experience of his captain, Mario Camora, and the attacking prowess of Louis Munteanu to spearhead any comeback.
Predicted Lineup for both teams
Braga predicted lineup (4-3-3): Hornicek; Gómez, Oliveira, Niakaté, Lelo; Horta, Moutinho, Gorby; Zalazar, Victor, Navarro.
CFR Cluj predicted lineup (4-3-3): Hindrich; Rocha, Ilie, Sinyan, Camora; Djokovic, Fica, Korenica; Nkololo, Munteanu, Postolachi.
Braga vs CFR Cluj betting tips
Tip 1 – Result: Braga win
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 goals: Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3 – Both team to score: Yes
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