Steaua – CFR Cluj

Steaua and CFR Cluj will square off in the first round of the Romanian Liga 1 playoffs. The 6 teams in the playoffs are separated by just 6 points, so there will be everything to play for in the 10 rounds remaining.

Steaua`s second place finish in the regular season remains a mystery, as the team played poor football throughout the season and especially lately. Steaua won just once in the last 7 matches, failed to even beat the (arguably) worst team in the league, at home, in the last round. The hosts are struggling to score goals and don`t look like beating anybody right now.

CFR Cluj ended the regular season on the 5th place, but they actually would have been second, in front of Steaua, if they didn`t suffer a 6 point penalty. An argument can be made that they are the best team in the league, owning the best offense, the 3rd best defense and the best goal difference. The visitors have definitely a surprise, as they were not expected to be this good, but they played very well organized football. CFR is in fine form, winning the last 4 matches in a row.

Bet on Steaua vs. CFR Cluj and claim your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!

Team news: Steaua will miss regular center back Moke, while CFR Cluj has a full squad to choose from.

Matches between Steaua and CFR have always been cagey and low scoring. 10 of the last 12 matches and 6 of the last 7 ended with under 2,5 goals. These are pretty overwhelming stats and I see no reason for the trend to stop.

Steaua is having a hard time scoring (they do generally score one goal per game, but rarely more), while CFR Cluj plays disciplined football and is in fine form.

CFR does have the best offense in the league, but it won`t be easy to score against Steaua’s defense, which is the best in the league itself.

What`s more, the stakes are very high in the playoffs. A loss can cost you 3 or 4 places in the table, so risks will not be taken.

This looks like it will be a midfield battle, an evenly matched clash and I expect yet another low scoring game between Steaua and CFR Cluj.

My tip is under 2,5 goals to be scored. I wouldn`t be completely surprised if both teams find a way to score, as they usually bang in one goal per game – but it seems unlikely anybody will be able to score twice. Prediction: Steaua Bucharest – CFR Cluj 1-1.

Pick: under 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.62 @ 1xBet
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 4.96
Event date: 12 March