Carlos Carvalhal is taking nothing for granted as his "Braga" side prepares to host "Cluj" in the second leg of their Europa League qualification semifinal with a narrow advantage. The Portuguese team will welcome their Romanian opponents to Estadio Municipal de Braga on August 14, 2025, carrying a 2-1 lead from the first leg.
"We've strengthened our squad for challenges exactly like this one," Carvalhal likely told his players after their first-leg victory in Romania. "But a one-goal advantage is never enough to feel comfortable."
"Braga" has indeed reinforced their roster during the transfer window, bringing in Victor Pau from "Barcelona", Gabriel Moscardo from "PSG", and Mario Dorgeles from "Nordsjelland". These additions came after the club missed out on a third-place finish in the Portuguese league last season, highlighting their need for greater squad depth.
The Arsenalists (as "Braga" are nicknamed) haven't had the smoothest start to their European campaign. They barely squeezed past "Levski" in the previous round, needing extra time to secure the only goal across both matches. Against "Cluj", however, they've shown better form.
But here's the thing – "Cluj" shouldn't be underestimated. Despite their current domestic struggles, where they sit fourth from bottom after four league games, the Romanian side has been performing differently in Europe. They've already eliminated "Paksh" (3-0 aggregate) and "Lugano" (1-0 after extra time) in earlier qualification rounds.
Interestingly, the first leg statistics suggest a much closer affair than the scoreline indicates. "Cluj" actually registered more shots (10-8) than "Braga", with both teams hitting the target three times each. The difference? The Portuguese side's clinical finishing.
Bookmakers have installed "Braga" as clear favorites for the home leg, but can "Cluj" turn things around with their European form contrasting sharply with their domestic troubles? The stage is set for what could be a more competitive encounter than many expect.
