Univ. Craiova vs CFR Cluj Prediction & Betting Tips (4 March)

Universitatea Craiova and CFR Cluj meet in the Romanian Cup final stage at Stadionul Ion Oblemenco on 4 March 2026, a tie that feels like more than just another knockout game. The two clubs have traded blows regularly in Liga 1 over the past few seasons, and the head‑to‑head record is almost perfectly balanced, with only a narrow edge for CFR. In the last couple of months both sides have juggled league pressure with cup ambitions, and this quarter‑final arrives at a moment when form, fitness and mentality all seem finely poised. With the Craiova crowd expected to create a fierce atmosphere, the question is whether either team can turn recent momentum into a decisive cup statement.

For Universitatea Craiova, the last weeks have been a mix of resilience and inconsistency, but the overall trend is positive. They recently edged FCSB at home by 1-0 and then shared a dramatic 2-2 draw in the league, results that underlined both their defensive grit and their ability to create chances against top opposition. A solid home victory over Otelul Galati by 1-0 further strengthened confidence, even if the heavy defeat away to Farul Constanta reminded everyone that this team can still be vulnerable on the road. A battling 1-1 draw at Dinamo Bucuresti showed character, and overall Craiova arrive with a home record that makes them believe they can control long spells of this cup tie.

CFR Cluj, meanwhile, have quietly pieced together a strong run that makes them one of the most reliable sides in Romania right now. In December they ground out a tight away win at FC Botosani by 1-0, and followed that with a high‑intensity 2-2 draw against Metaloglobus that showcased their attacking depth. More recently they have beaten Petrolul Ploiesti by 2-1, edged Hermannstadt away, and taken three points at UTA Arad, while also winning a thriller against Universitatea Cluj. This sequence, combined with a disciplined 1-1 home draw versus Rapid, paints the picture of a side that rarely collapses, manages tight margins well, and is comfortable playing under pressure in hostile environments.

All of this recent form feeds into a tactical battle that may be more cautious than the attacking talent on show would suggest. Craiova must cope without Mihnea Radulescu, sidelined with a serious knee injury, and still have doubts over Tudor Baluta, which could slightly blunt their midfield aggression. CFR Cluj, by contrast, are close to full strength and have looked particularly compact in recent outings, conceding very few clear chances. With both managers aware of how often these fixtures are decided by a single moment, it would not be surprising to see long spells of controlled possession, careful pressing and risk‑averse defending. In that context, a correct score of 0 : 0 feels a very realistic outcome for this Romanian Cup cl