This UEFA Europa League second round qualifying tie remains delicately poised as FC Lugano and CFR Cluj meet again at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Radulescu on Thursday, 31 July, with progression at stake after their tightly contested goalless draw in the first leg.
View our Europa League predictions after analysing our key Cluj vs Lugano tips.
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CFR Cluj vs FC Lugano prediction: Feroviarii to beat Bianconeri
Key Stats
- Cluj are winless in three successive games across all competitions (D2, L1).
- The White and Burgundies have lost just once in five competitive home games (W3, D1).
- Lugano are winless in their opening two games of the new campaign (D1, L1).
- The visitors have scored just four goals in their last five away games.
Correct score prediction: Cluj 1-0 Lugano
Cluj suffered their first home defeat in seven matches as FC Arges stunned them 2-0 – extending their winless run to three games. With just one goal scored during this slump, Dan Petrescu’s men will need to discover their cutting edge as thy fight for progression to the next qualifying round, where either Levski Sofia or SC Braga await.
Lugano arrive in similarly uncertain form after a disappointing fourth-place league finish last campaign, though their preseason brought modest encouragement with two wins from three friendlies. Like their Romanian opponents, Mattia Croci-Torti's Swiss outfit have looked vulnerable defensively, a weakness that could prove decisive. We're backing Cluj's continental experience to shine through as they edge the visitors by the narrowest of margins to progress to the next qualifying round.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Cluj with the advantage
- HOME: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.2%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Despite their sloppy form, which has seen them fail to secure a victory in three outings, bookmakers back Cluj to seal a home victory in this crucial second round qualifier. They have been priced at 13/10 (2.30) odds, implying a 43.4% winning chance.
Lugano have had a busy calendar in July, playing five matches already. Their match fatigue, combined with their opening league defeat of the season might just slow them down here. Bookies back the visitors with 21/10 (3.10) odds – a 32.2% probability of success.
Don’t forget to check out more of our football betting tips page after analysing our Lugano vs Cluj predictions.
Most recent H2Hs: Who will claim the upper hand?
The first leg meeting in Switzerland was their maiden H2H clash.
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 24/07/25
Lugano
CFR Cluj
Cluj preview: Can they upset the Bianconeri?
Dan Petrescu comes into this clash with a fully fit squad, except for the significant absence of talisman Karlo Muhar, who is sidelined until mid-August.
Predicted lineup: Hindrich (GK), Camora, Sinyan, Bolgado, Abeid, Korenica, Djokovic, Fica, Munteanu, Gjorgievski & Nkololo
Romania Liga I 10/05/25
D
CS U Craiova
2
CFR Cluj
2
Romania Liga I 03/05/25
W
Universitatea Cluj
0
CFR Cluj
1
Romania Liga I 28/04/25
D
Dinamo Bucharest
1
CFR Cluj
1
Romania Cup 24/04/25
W
Farul Constanta
1
CFR Cluj
4
Romania Liga I 20/04/25
L
FCSB
3
CFR Cluj
2
Lugano preview: Third competitive match this campaign
Croci-Torti has no suspensions or injuries to deal with as his side prepares to take on Cluj in this crucial qualifier.
Predicted lineup: Saipi (GK), Valenzuela, Belhadj, Mai, Papadopoulos, Zanotti, dos Santos, Bislimi, Grgic, Aliseda & Koutsias
Switzerland Super League 10/05/25
L
Basel
5
Lugano
2
Switzerland Super League 04/05/25
W
Lucerne
0
Lugano
2
Switzerland Super League 21/04/25
L
Lausanne Sports
2
Lugano
0
Switzerland Super League 13/04/25
D
St Gallen
1
Lugano
1
Switzerland Super League 06/04/25
L
Basel
2
Lugano
0
Player to watch: Louis Munteanu
Munteanu had the most number of shots against Lugano in the first leg, combined with a 73% pass accuracy rate. Although Munteanu struggled to make an impact in the 2-0 loss to FC Arges, he will be inspired to make a difference in this important second leg fixture. His last goal arrived in the 3-0 victory over Paks four matchdays ago.