One of Thursday’s key UEFA Conference League qualification play-off return legs will take place at the Constantin Rădulescu Stadium in Cluj-Napoca, where CFR Cluj host Swedish side Häcken. The visitors carry a commanding 7-2 lead from the first leg, leaving the Romanian outfit with a near-impossible task to keep their European hopes alive.
Match Preview
The first leg was a nightmare for CFR Cluj, who were dismantled 7-2 in Sweden. Häcken’s clinical finishing exposed glaring defensive weaknesses in Andrea Mandorlini’s team, with the hosts converting nearly every significant chance.
With a five-goal deficit to overcome, CFR Cluj’s focus will now shift from qualification to restoring some pride in front of their supporters. The team is enduring a rough patch, losing five of their last six matches across all competitions. During that run, they’ve conceded 20 goals and scored just nine.
To make matters worse, Cluj are winless in their last four European fixtures, and their confidence appears to be at an all-time low.
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Häcken come into this match on the back of one of their most dominant European performances. Scoring seven goals from just nine shots on target in the first leg, the Swedish side showcased remarkable attacking efficiency.
Despite an underwhelming domestic campaign that sees them sitting ninth in the Allsvenskan, Häcken have been a different beast in Europe. In their last two competitive games, they’ve scored 12 goals and conceded only three, including a 5-1 away victory against Värnamo in the league.
With a huge aggregate advantage, Häcken are expected to manage the game with a pragmatic approach while still threatening on the break.
CFR Cluj vs Häcken Head-to-Head (Key Match Facts)
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CFR Cluj have conceded 11 goals in their last two matches.
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Häcken have scored 12 goals and allowed just three in their last two outings.
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Both teams have scored in five of CFR Cluj’s last six games.
CFR Cluj vs Häcken Lineups (Probable)
CFR Cluj: Hindrich, Sfaiț, Krešić, Bolgado, Ilie, Abeid, Emerllahu, Djokovic, Korenica, Badamosi, Postolachi
Häcken: Berisha, Jansson, Samuelsson, Hilvenius, Lindberg, Andersen, Holm, Al-Saed, Brusberg, Dahbo, Dembe
CFR Cluj vs Häcken Prediction and Betting Tip
CFR Cluj’s chances of a comeback are slim, but the home side will aim to produce a more composed and spirited performance. Häcken, meanwhile, should retain their attacking shape while controlling the tempo of the game.
Betting Tip: Over 3.0 total goals (Odds: 1.84) – Given the form of both teams, another high-scoring affair looks likely.
