Cluj vs Braga: Europa League Prediction (07.08.2025)

On August 7, 2025, at 18:30 CET, the first leg of the Europa League qualification semi-finals will feature Cluj against Braga. The Romanian side was extremely unlucky with the draw, facing one of the strongest opponents in the bracket. It is therefore not surprising that bookmakers see the visitors as favourites. Let’s examine the teams’ current form and give our prediction for the match.

Cluj

Cluj have already immersed themselves in the new season, but the results so far have been mixed. The team has played four league matches and collected only four points, placing them in the lower part of the table.

It is also worth noting that the Romanian club has already passed two Europa League qualifying rounds. In the first stage, they were stronger than Paksi: after a goalless draw away, the team confidently won 3–0 at home. In the second round, the Romanians faced Lugano and again progressed further, but this time the fate of the tie was decided in extra time of the return leg, where Cluj managed to finish off the opponent.

Braga

Portuguese clubs have long been considered solid mid-tier teams in European football and favourites in many matches, not only in qualifying rounds but also in the main stages of European competitions. This is hardly surprising, as their domestic league is among the top seven strongest on the continent. Therefore, even a team finishing fourth in the national championship is expected to progress successfully through qualification.

Braga started from the second round, where they faced Levski. After a run of five wins in friendly matches, the team was expected to start the season confidently. However, they managed to get past Levski only in extra time — the first goal over two games was scored in the 104th minute of the second leg at the “Arsenalists’” home stadium.

Stats and Head-to-Head Record

The opponents met only once before — in 2012 during the Champions League group stage. At that time, Cluj won both matches (2–0 away and 3–1 at home).

Prediction

In the Cluj – Braga match, we favour the visitors. The teams have not met for 13 years, so head-to-head statistics tell us nothing. Since then, the balance of power has changed significantly. Cluj’s unconvincing start to the season may affect the players’ confidence, especially when facing such a renowned club. Therefore, we suggest betting on Braga to win at odds of 1.85.