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Universitatea Craiova will look to finish the job when they host Maxline Vitebsk in the second leg of their Champions League first qualifying-round tie at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco on Wednesday.
The Romanian champions produced a dominant display to claim a 4-1 victory in the first leg away from home, putting themselves in a commanding position ahead of the return fixture.
Maxline Vitebsk face an uphill task if they are to overturn the deficit, while their defensive struggles remain a major concern after another disappointing display at the back.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Universitatea Craiova vs Maxline Vitebsk key stats
- Craiova have won their last three matches (including from previous season).
- ML Vitebsk have lost just once in their last five matches.
- The White-Blues are unbeaten in their last 13 matches, including results from 2025-26.
Universitatea Craiova vs Maxline Vitebsk preview: Easy victory for the home side
Universitatea Craiova vs Maxline Vitebsk — Tale of the Tape
| Universitatea Craiova | vs | Maxline Vitebsk |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Position | 2nd (Belarus league) |
| NA | Points | 31 |
| NA | Goals For | 30 |
| NA | Goals Against | 13 |
| NA | Clean Sheets | 05 |
| NA/NA | Home / Away Rank | 10th/1st |
The Dolj County club won the Romanian title for the fifth time in their history after beating Rapid Bucuresti in the championship playoffs to secure a place in the Champions League qualifiers.
It was a historic triumph for The Science, who lifted the league title for the first time since the 1990-91 season, and they have carried that momentum into Europe with an emphatic first-leg victory.
Craiova raced into a commanding lead with three first-half goals before adding a fourth late on, leaving them needing only to avoid a heavy defeat to progress to the next round.
At the weekend, Filipe Coelho's side also lifted the Super Cup, beating Cluj 5-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 in normal time.
Maxline Vitebsk won the Belarusian Premier League title for the first time in their history last season, finishing five points clear of Dinamo Minsk after 30 matches.
Formed in 1983, the Vitebsk-based club are once again in the title race this season, sitting second in the table, just two points behind Minsk.
The Belarusian champions are unbeaten in their last three league matches, winning two of them, but they face an enormous challenge if they are to keep their European campaign alive.
Their biggest concern remains at the back, having struggled to keep clean sheets in recent weeks, and while Maxline may find the net in Romania, it is difficult to see them preventing Craiova from scoring.
Universitatea Craiova vs Maxline Vitebsk form guide & betting tips
| Universitatea Craiova | vs | Maxline Vitebsk |
|---|---|---|
WW |
Form | WDWWL |
| 10 | Goals For | 14 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 12 |
W |
UCL Qualifiers | L |
Whispers predicts: Universitatea Craiova 3-1 Maxline Vitebsk
Universitatea Craiova hold a commanding advantage after the first leg, and it would take a remarkable collapse for them to miss out on a place in the next round. Unsurprisingly, the Romanian side are overwhelming favourites at 1/4 (1.25) to win again.
The goals market also looks appealing, with Over 2.5 Goals priced at 4/7 (1.57) after each of Maxline Vitebsk's last seven matches produced at least three goals.
Maxline have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last seven outings, while both teams have scored in all of those matches, making Both Teams To Score – Yes at 11/10 (2.10) another attractive option.
Craiova are expected to claim another comfortable victory, and backing Craiova to win & Both Teams To Score – Yes at 9/4 (3.25) could prove to be a worthwhile bet.
> Over 2.5 goals at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 11/10 (2.1) | Likelihood: Probable
> Craiova win + BTTS – Yes at 9/4 (3.25) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 10.5 corners at 21/50 (1.42) | Likelihood: Probable