CFR Cluj vs Alashkert – News and Probable Lineups

On Thursday, CFR Cluj is set to host Alashkert FC in Romênia for the second leg of their first round matchup in the Conference League qualifiers.

The teams enter the crucial match on equal footing after a 1-1 draw in Armênia last week.

Match overview

As they prepare for the home leg of their inaugural European qualifying fixture this season, CFR Cluj aims to secure a spot in the third round of the Conference League.

Their participation at this level was earned by finishing third in the Romênian Superliga during the 2025-26 season, as they continue their quest for their first top-tier championship since 2022.

After a successful pre-season, the Ceferistii opened their domestic campaign in mid-July with a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Otelul, before heading to Armênia to face Alashkert in the first leg last week, where they managed to secure a draw after Andres Sfait equalized early in the second half.

They then recorded their first competitive victory under new head coach Antonio Folha this past Monday, decisively beating FC Voluntari 5-0 at home, with Andrei Cordea and Stefan Drazic each scoring two goals before Mario Camora added a fifth.

With the boost of that result and the advantage of playing at home for the second leg, CFR Cluj will aim to capitalize on the situation and advance to the third qualifying round on Thursday.

On the other hand, Alashkert FC travels with the intent of maintaining their winning momentum that started with a victory in the first round.

Alashkert FC kicked off their Conference League qualifying journey in the first round following a fourth-place finish in the Armênian Premier League during the 2025-26 season, facing Yelimay Semey as their initial opponent.

Vahe Gevorgyan’s squad narrowly advanced from that match, drawing 1-1 at home and managing a 2-2 draw away due to an own goal in the final moments of extra time, eventually triumphing in the penalty shootout.

In their home encounter against CFR Cluj last week, Rafael Jesus scored to give them an early lead, but they were later equalized against, meaning FC Alashkert must achieve another away victory if they intend to reach the third qualifying round.

Team News

CFR Cluj made numerous adjustments between last week’s first match and their recent league victory, and Sfait will vie to reclaim his spot after contributing to their equalizer in Armênia, having only appeared as a substitute against FC Voluntari.

Cordea and Drazic have strong cases to retain their positions up front after each scoring a brace on Monday, and they may form a new attacking trio alongside Sfait for the home fixture.

Karlu Muhar continues to be a pivotal player in the midfield this season, likely supported by Alin Fica and either Bruno Costa or Damjan Djokovic.

Alashkert FC may stick with the same lineup from their home leg since their league season begins next week, having had no matches in the interim.

Competition for attacking roles exists, as summer acquisitions Domi Jaures Massoumou and Philip Ejike have seen playing time off the bench in their last match.

Raphael Jesus will maintain his place after netting their first goal, while midfielder Karen Nalbandyan finished the last season as their top scorer with 14 goals.

CFR Cluj probable starting XI:

Valceanu; Kun, Pantalon, Abeid, Rocha; Muhar, Fica, Costa; Cordea, Drazic, Sfait

Alashkert FC probable starting XI:

Beglaryan; Terteryan, Cesar, Matyukhin, Hakobian; Nalbandyan, Piloyan, Sabobo; Faraola, Jesus, Ready

CFR Cluj effectively handled the away fixture to leave things level, and we anticipate they will leverage their home advantage to progress on Thursday following a comprehensive league win this past weekend.