Universitatea Cluj

vs

Universitatea Craiova

Preview

Universitatea Cluj

• Universitatea Cluj are leading Liga I Playoff 2025-2026 after 3 games with 36 points.
• Universitatea Cluj are unbeaten in 5 matches in all competitions (W5).
• Since taking over the Cluj side in October 2025, Cristiano Bergodi has instilled a very pragmatic approach which ensures his team keeps it compact, defends with numbers and looks to break with numbers when the ball is won.
• Oucasse Mendy has been Cluj’s talisman in this transition style, scoring 3 goals in 3 games in this playoff season and 4 of the last 11 Cluj goals.

Universitatea Craiova

• Universitatea Craiova are in 2nd with 36 points after 3 games.
• Filipe Coelho has been in charge since November 2025 and his organised defence has brought calm and solidity.
• Craiova are a more vertical side who can change the pace with a 4-2-3-1 set-up to play a high-tempo, transition-based game.
• Anzor Mekvabishvili has 1 goal in 2 playoff games and Carlos Mora has provided 1 assist.
• Craiova have been solid on the road in the playoff, conceding no goals, scoring once and going unbeaten (W1).

Head-to-Head

• The last head-to-head at this ground finished 0-0.
• Craiova haven’t won any of their last 3 visits to Cluj.
• Their recent wins include 2-0 vs CFR 1907 Cluj and 1-0 vs Dinamo Bucuresti.

Key Players

• Oucasse Mendy (Cluj)
  • 3 goals in 3 playoff games.
  • 4 of the last 11 Cluj goals.
• Anzor Mekvabishvili (Craiova)
  • 1 goal in 2 playoff games.
• Carlos Mora (Craiova)
  • 1 assist and offers creative spark.

Betting Insights

• Expect a tight encounter with Cluj holding a slight edge due to form and home advantage.
• Back Cluj to win at 2.58.
• Consider Over 2.5 goals at 2.10.
• Consider Both Teams to Score - Yes at 1.77.

Prediction

• Prediction: Universitatea Cluj to edge this clash.
• Estimated score: Cluj 2-1 Craiova.
• Rationale: Cluj’s recent form, Bergodi’s compact system and Mendy’s goal threat, matched by Craiova’s vertical threat on the break.