CFR Cluj vs Hacken Prediction & Betting Tips (28 August)

CFR Cluj will be looking to salvage pride and momentum when they host BK Häcken in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, following a bruising 7–2 defeat in the first leg. Dan Petrescu’s side has endured a turbulent run, with recent losses to Braga and Universitatea Craiova compounding their European woes. Injuries have thinned their ranks, with winger Adrian Paun and defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Karlo Muhar sidelined. However, the Romanian outfit still boasts attacking threats in Louis Munteanu and Daniel Bîrligea, while veteran Ciprian Deac remains a creative force in midfield. Petrescu is expected to stick with a compact 4-3-3, hoping to exploit Häcken’s defensive lapses.

Häcken, meanwhile, arrive in Cluj with confidence surging after their emphatic first-leg victory. The Swedish side, currently mid-table in the Allsvenskan, has found rhythm in Europe despite domestic inconsistencies. Coach Per-Mathias Høgmo has leaned on the midfield trio of Mikkel Rygaard, Samuel Leach Holm, and Simon Gustafson to dictate tempo and unlock defenses. Amor Layouni, who leads the team in assists, will be key in transitioning play and feeding the front line. Häcken’s recent additions, including Brice Wembangomo and Leo Väisänen, have added depth, though their backline remains vulnerable under pressure—something Cluj will aim to exploit.

The tactical battle will hinge on Cluj’s ability to press high and disrupt Häcken’s build-up. Petrescu may opt for a more aggressive approach, knowing that overturning a five-goal deficit is improbable but not impossible. The Romanian side has historically struggled in away fixtures but tends to be more assertive at home. With the crowd behind them and a point to prove, Cluj could find the spark to unsettle the Swedes. Häcken, on the other hand, will likely play conservatively, protecting their aggregate lead while probing for counter-attacking opportunities.

Despite the lopsided first leg, this fixture promises tension and redemption. Cluj’s experience in European qualifiers and their home advantage could tilt the balance slightly in their favor. Häcken’s attacking flair may still find the net, but defensive frailties could be their undoing. With both teams capable of scoring and Cluj desperate to restore dignity, a 2–1 win for the hosts feels like a fitting outcome—enough to reclaim some pride, though not enough to advance.