Cluj vs Braga: Overview

In a captivating UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg, SC Braga secured a valuable 2-1 away victory against FC CFR 1907 Cluj at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu on August 7, 2025. The Portuguese visitors demonstrated their European experience with a disciplined performance that gives them a significant advantage heading into the return leg.

The atmosphere in Cluj-Napoca was electric as local supporters packed the stadium hoping to witness their team gain an advantage in this crucial European tie. Despite the passionate home crowd creating a intimidating cauldron of noise, it was Braga who weathered the early pressure and gradually took control of proceedings.

Jean-Baptiste Gorby emerged as the hero for the Portuguese side, netting twice to silence the Romanian crowd. His opening goal in the 17th minute showcased his technical ability with a curling effort that left Otto Hindrich with no chance. Though Cluj equalized through Sheriff Sinyan's opportunistic finish just before the half-hour mark, Gorby's second-half strike restored Braga's advantage and ultimately proved decisive.

This result puts SC Braga in a commanding position to progress to the playoff round, with the return leg in Portugal now favoring the experienced Europa League campaigners. For Dan Petrescu's Cluj side, they face an uphill battle when they travel to Portugal, needing at least a two-goal victory to advance in the competition.

The tactical battle between Petrescu and Braga coach Vicens highlighted the contrasting styles, with Cluj's direct approach ultimately falling short against Braga's more measured possession game. The Romanian champions will need to show significantly more attacking threat in the return fixture if they hope to overturn this deficit.

"We knew this would be a difficult venue to visit, but I'm pleased with how we managed the game," remarked Vicens, Braga's coach. "Scoring twice away from home in Europe is always valuable, but this tie is far from over. Cluj showed they can hurt us, so we'll need complete focus for the second leg."

"The difference today was in the efficiency," lamented Dan Petrescu after the match. "We created enough opportunities to get something from this game, but we were punished for small mistakes. I still believe we can turn this around in Portugal if we show more clinical finishing."

"Getting two goals away from home is important for my confidence, but more crucial for the team," said Jean-Baptiste Gorby, Braga's two-goal hero. "We studied Cluj carefully and executed our game plan well. Now we need to finish the job at home."

"This is a disappointing result, but not a decisive one," stated Camora, Cluj's experienced captain. "We've overcome bigger challenges before. The key will be scoring early in Portugal to put pressure on them. This team never gives up."

"Cluj will feel they're still in this tie, but Braga showed why they're regular European competitors," observed European football analyst Mihai Stoica. "The Portuguese side managed the game intelligently, but they'll be wary of Cluj's threat from set-pieces in the return leg."

Ball Possession: FC CFR 1907 Cluj 43% - 57% SC Braga

Shots (On Target): Cluj 11 (4) - Braga 14 (7)

Corners: Cluj 5 - Braga 7

Yellow Cards: Cluj 3 (Fica, Đoković, Bosec) - Braga 2 (Niakaté, Gomez)

Red Cards: None

Fouls: Cluj 14 - Braga 11

Individual Player Statistics:

• Jean-Baptiste Gorby (Braga): 2 goals, 3 shots on target, 91% pass completion
• João Moutinho (Braga): 72 touches, 94% pass completion, 4 key passes
• Louis Munteanu (Cluj): 1 assist, 3 shots, 2 on target
• Otto Hindrich (Cluj): 5 saves, 1 high claim

The statistical breakdown reveals Braga's control of the match, particularly in midfield where veteran João Moutinho orchestrated play with his composed distribution. The Portuguese side's superior shot accuracy (50% shots on target compared to Cluj's 36%) ultimately proved decisive.

Defensively, Cluj's back four was tested frequently, with Sinyan making 7 clearances and 3 blocks despite scoring at the other end. Braga's defensive unit, marshaled by Paulo Oliveira and Sikou Niakaté, effectively limited Cluj's chances in the second half after the Romanian side had shown promise in the opening period.

17' GOAL (0-1) - Jean-Baptiste Gorby breaks the deadlock for SC Braga with a curling effort from the edge of the box following a well-worked passing move initiated by João Moutinho. The shot curls beyond Hindrich's outstretched hand into the top corner.

29' GOAL (1-1) - FC CFR 1907 Cluj equalize through Sheriff Sinyan, who reacts quickest when Louis Munteanu's cross deflects into his path, allowing him to prod home from close range.

45' TACTICAL CHANGE - Cluj coach Dan Petrescu adjusts his team's shape, instructing Munteanu to play more centrally to support Postolachi against Braga's dominant central defenders.

50' GOAL (1-2) - Braga retake the lead as Jean-Baptiste Gorby scores his second. Fran Navarro's powerful shot is parried by Hindrich, but only into the path of Gorby who confidently slots the rebound into the empty net.

62' SUBSTITUTION - Cluj introduce fresh attacking options, bringing on Michael Pereira for Nkololo in search of an equalizer.

75' TACTICAL SHIFT - Braga coach Vicens switches to a more defensive 5-4-1 formation to protect their lead, bringing on an additional defender and instructing his team to maintain possession.

88' MISSED OPPORTUNITY - Cluj nearly equalize as Postolachi's header from Camora's cross flashes inches wide of the post, their best chance of the second half.

The clash between FC CFR 1907 Cluj and SC Braga represents a rare meeting between Romanian and Portuguese clubs in European competition. Prior to this encounter, these teams had met just once before, in a friendly match in 2018 which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Historically, Portuguese clubs have enjoyed success against Romanian opposition, winning approximately 60% of competitive fixtures. This trend continued with Braga's victory, though Cluj demonstrated they can compete at this level despite the result.

The key individual battle on the pitch unfolded between veteran midfielders João Moutinho and Damjan Đoković, with the former Portuguese international's experience proving decisive in controlling the tempo. Moutinho completed 94% of his passes compared to Đoković's 86%, illustrating Braga's superior ball retention.

Another fascinating duel emerged between Cluj's promising forward Louis Munteanu and Braga's defender Sikou Niakaté. Though Munteanu contributed an assist, Niakaté largely contained the Romanian attacker in the second half after a tactical adjustment by coach Vicens.

The touchline battle between experienced Romanian manager Dan Petrescu and Braga's Vicens also proved intriguing. Petrescu's pragmatic approach initially troubled Braga, but Vicens' tactical adjustments in the second half helped the Portuguese side regain control and secure the victory.

For the return leg, expect Cluj to adopt a more aggressive approach as they chase the deficit, potentially creating space for Braga's dangerous attacking trio of Gorby, Navarro, and Horta to exploit on the counter-attack.

As this was a UEFA Europa League qualifying match, there is no league table to update. However, the result significantly impacts both teams' European prospects:

FC CFR 1907 Cluj:

• Currently lead the Romanian SuperLiga with 10 points from 4 matches
• Must now overcome a one-goal deficit in Portugal to advance to the Europa League playoff round
• Risk dropping into the UEFA Conference League qualifiers if they fail to overturn the result
• Have shown strong domestic form despite this European setback

SC Braga:

• Currently sit 3rd in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with 7 points from 3 matches
• Now heavy favorites to progress to the Europa League playoff round
• Would likely face either Rapid Vienna or Trabzonspor in the playoff round if they advance
• Maintaining their status as regular Europa League participants remains a key objective

For Cluj, failure to progress in the Europa League would be a significant blow to their seasonal ambitions of European group stage football. Meanwhile, Braga will be confident of maintaining their impressive European record, having regularly competed in the Europa League group stages in recent seasons.