CFR Cluj vs Hacken Prediction: 28.08.2025 UEFA Europa Conference League Playoffs Preview

As the UEFA Europa Conference League Playoffs reach a fever pitch, CFR Cluj welcome Swedish outfit Hacken to the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu for a showdown that promises plenty of intrigue—and, perhaps, a touch of unpredictability. Both sides are navigating turbulent waters: Cluj, under the steady command of Andrea Mandorlini, find themselves searching desperately for form, while Jens Gustafsson’s Hacken arrive having already inflicted significant damage in the reverse fixture. The blend of Romanian resilience and Scandinavian flair makes this an enticing tactical battle.

Two standout individuals demand attention here. For Hacken, the electric John Dembe leads the attack, coming off a red-hot performance with five goals in his last six matches, including a brace against this very opponent. For Cluj, Meriton Korenica remains central to any slim hopes—poised between midfield and forward lines, his energy and recent goal-scoring record offer Mandorlini’s men a fighting chance to salvage their campaign.

A “hot stat” that leaps off the page? Hacken have tallied a remarkable 20 goals in their past five matches—a scoring surge that underlines their status as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in this phase.

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CFR Cluj vs Hacken prediction

Given Hacken’s scintillating form and their devastating 7-2 win in the first leg, it’s difficult to bet against the Swedes advancing. Their high-scoring, front-foot style simply overwhelmed Cluj, who have conceded 13 goals across their last three outings. Hacken’s attack led by John Dembe and supported by the creative Amor Layouni makes a repeat of Cluj’s defensive struggles likely.

However, Hacken’s gung-ho style makes them occasional suspects at the back, as reflected by their concession of two goals even during their most impressive victories. Cluj, for all their shortcomings, possess attacking options in Korenica and Cordea—both capable of exploiting defensive lapses.

Tactically, expect Hacken to stick with their aggressive 4-3-3, seeking to dictate tempo and press high, while Cluj may be forced to gamble with a more attacking set-up than usual. The Romanians’ recent discipline statistics suggest they won’t shy from robust challenges: 8 yellow cards and 37 fouls in the last five matches. Hacken mirror the physicality with 9 yellows and 46 fouls, so expect a feisty affair and possibly plenty of set-piece opportunities.

Team Analysis

CFR Cluj Recent Games:
Cluj’s fortunes have nosedived over the last month. Their most recent fixture, a 1-4 home defeat to Otelul, epitomized their defensive frailties: porous in transition, late to second balls, and hampered by lapses in concentration. Equally bruising was the 2-7 thrashing by Hacken, where Cluj’s backline simply melted against relentless pressure. Still, they showed some attacking spark in a 3-3 draw against Botosani, with Korenica and Cordea both finding the net. Cluj’s inability to close out games, coupled with a leaky defense, remains their Achilles’ heel.

Hacken Recent Games:
The Swedish visitors are in imposing nick, fresh off a 5-1 battering of Varnamo. That followed their ruthless 7-2 away win in Cluj, showcasing their offensive fluidity and clinical edge. Even in a blip—a 0-2 defeat to Osters—Hacken managed to dominate most statistical metrics, falling prey merely to wastefulness in front of goal. In total, 20 goals in five matches, with attacking contributions spread through the likes of Dembe, Gustafsson, and Svanback, make Hacken a menacing proposition. Their only real worry lies in occasional lapses at the back, but their firepower typically overshadows the odd defensive wobble.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full CFR Cluj vs Hacken stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: CFR Cluj the favourite

• Moneyline CFR Cluj 2.12 | Hacken 3.12
• Draw 3.82
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.69 | Under 2.5 2.12
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.64 | No 2.16

The bookmakers have given Cluj a slight nod, perhaps out of deference to home advantage and their marginally higher club ranking. However, the odds on Hacken drifting between 3.00 and 3.20 feel wildly enticing given their recent dominance. With both sides displaying defensive deficiencies and a strong attacking impulse, the value is unmistakably on Hacken in Draw No Bet scenarios—or pushing for a goals-rich encounter. For the brave, backing over 2.5 goals and BTTS looks justified by both sides’ recent run-ins.

You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.

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Possible Starting Lineups

CFR Cluj possible starting eleven

Mandorlini is likely to opt for his preferred 4-2-3-1, reinforcing the double pivot in midfield to shield a defence that’s been under siege. Camora and Ilie offer experience and steadiness, while Korenica must link effectively with Cordea and Postolachi up top. Korenica remains the key: if Cluj are to upset the script, his dynamism and threat from midfield are crucial. Watch for Cordea’s darting runs and Hindrich’s command of his box—both could be pivotal if Cluj are to regain any composure.

Hacken possible starting eleven

Expect Gustafsson to stick with an expansive 4-3-3, banking on his front three for goals. Dembe is in irresistible form and, alongside Svanback and creator-in-chief Layouni, will test a fragile Cluj backline repeatedly. Lode and Jansson must maintain focus at the back; if Hacken can hold their nerve defensively, their forward thrust should see them through. The midfield triangle of Rygaard, Holm, and Andersen offers dynamism and ball progression, suiting Hacken’s preference for tempo and direct play.

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My take on the Match

Ultimately, the momentum is with Hacken and it’s difficult to ignore the evidence of the first leg. We’re tipping Hacken Draw No Bet, with over 2.5 goals and both teams finding the net again in an open, fiercely contested contest. The Swedes’ form and attacking verve should prove too much for a Cluj side mired in a confidence crisis, but don’t be surprised if the home crowd inspires a late rally. This one’s got drama written all over it, and fans of full-throttle football should relish every minute!

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