The UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round serves up a compelling clash between Romanian champions CFR Cluj and Portuguese powerhouse Sporting Braga at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu. This is a highly anticipated fixture between two clubs that are no strangers to European competition. Both teams have battled through the previous qualifying rounds to reach this stage, and the stakes are high with a place in the play-off round on the line. The winner of this two-legged contest will be one step closer to the Europa League group stage, a massive prize for both clubs. Never miss a moment of the action!
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Stadium: Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu
- Date: Thursday, August 7, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CEST
- Referee: N/A
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
The historical head-to-head record between CFR Cluj and Sporting Braga is surprisingly competitive, despite only two previous meetings. The teams met in the 2012 UEFA Champions League group stage, with CFR Cluj winning both matches. This history will surely be on the minds of both teams, adding an extra layer of intensity to this encounter. However, recent form and tactical preparation will be the most important factors heading into this match.
CFR Cluj:
CFR Cluj has been in decent form, with a number of high-scoring results in their recent matches. They secured a vital 1-0 win over FC Lugano in the previous qualifying round of the Europa League, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Their attacking prowess has been on display, but their defensive vulnerabilities have been a cause for concern in some of their recent domestic matches. Playing at home, they will be looking to their passionate supporters to give them an extra boost and secure a positive result in this first leg.
- August 3, 2025: U. Craiova 3–2 CFR Cluj (Romanian Super Liga)
- July 31, 2025: CFR Cluj 1–0 FC Lugano (Europa League Qualifying)
- July 27, 2025: CFR Cluj 0–2 ACS Campionii FC Arges (Romanian Super Liga)
- July 24, 2025: FC Lugano 0–0 CFR Cluj (Europa League Qualifying)
Sporting Braga:
Sporting Braga comes into this qualifier with a strong run of form, with a number of wins in their recent matches. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 aggregate victory over Levski Sofia in the previous qualifying round of the Europa League, which will have boosted their confidence significantly. The Portuguese side has developed a reputation for playing an attractive, attacking brand of football. They will be confident coming into this match and will be looking to score a crucial away goal to give them an advantage for the second leg.
- August 3, 2025: Braga 2–1 Wiener SC (Portuguese Primeira Liga)
- July 31, 2025: Sporting Braga 1–0 Levski Sofia (Europa League Qualifying)
- July 24, 2025: Levski Sofia 0–0 Sporting Braga (Europa League Qualifying)
- July 20, 2025: Sporting Braga 1–0 FC Sion (Club Friendly)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is expected to be a test of CFR Cluj’s home advantage against Sporting Braga’s attacking prowess. CFR Cluj will likely start the game with a balanced formation, possibly a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, to ensure defensive stability while maintaining the potential for quick counter-attacks. They will aim to create chances by playing through their forwards and using their home crowd to their advantage. Sporting Braga, under the guidance of a new manager, often employs a high-pressing, attacking style of play, which could pose significant challenges for the CFR Cluj defense. The battle in midfield will be key, and the performance of key players on both sides will be a major factor in the final result. The match is poised to be an open and exciting affair with a high potential for goals.
How to Watch CFR Cluj vs. Sporting Braga on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| Romania | N/A |
| Portugal | N/A |
| United States | beIN SPORTS |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
In the United States, the match will be broadcast live on beIN SPORTS. For other regions, broadcasting information is not yet confirmed. It is also common for some clubs to provide live streams on their official websites or YouTube channels for European qualifiers, so it is worth checking those sources.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
