CFR Cluj vs Braga Predictions

• Both teams won in extra time in the previous round
• Braga narrowly missed out on a knckout place last season
• Braga have not conceded in their last three games in Europe

Braga to edge tight first leg

Braga make the trip to Transylvania for the first leg of this Europa League qualifier, and will be hoping of taking a step closer to a place in the league phase.

CFR Cluj and Braga both required extra time to make it through the previous qualifying round, but the Portuguese side will arrive in Romania with confidence and the greater European pedigree.

Cluj battled past Lugano with a 1-0 home win after a goalless first leg in Switzerland, showing defensive discipline but lacking a cutting edge in attack. They have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, but scoring opportunities have been limited against stronger opposition.

Braga’s route saw them edge Levski Sofia 1-0 after extra time at home, Fran Navarro striking in the 104th minute to break Bulgarian hearts. That result extended their unbeaten run in Europe.

With both teams defensively organised and wary of giving away an early advantage, this could be a cagey affair, but Braga’s greater attacking options give them the edge.

Cluj will look to keep it tight for as long as possible, but Braga should have the quality to come away with the win here.