Kyiv must capitalize on their advantage: prediction for Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv
Universitatea Cluj
The second leg of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round between Universitatea Cluj and Dynamo Kyiv is set for July 16, 2026, at the Cluj Arena in Cluj-Napoca. After a goalless draw in the first encounter, the fate of the playoff spot remains wide open. However, based on the level of play and the number of chances created, the Ukrainian side looked far more convincing.
Universitatea Cluj: Home turf doesn’t solve on-field problems
The goalless draw in the first match was the best possible result for the Romanian club. Universitatea created just one dangerous chance, while their opponents constantly pressed and fired 27 shots, so Cristiano Bergodi’s team will need significant improvement ahead of the return leg.
Cluj’s last victory came back on May 9 against Rapid Bucharest — 1:0. Since then, the “Students” have played eight matches: five ended in draws in regular time and three resulted in defeats, including a Supercupa României loss to Universitatea Craiova on penalties. Jovo Lukic and Elio Capradossi are sidelined, so Alibek Aliev could once again lead the line up front.
Dynamo Kyiv: Creating chances, just need to sharpen finishing
For Dynamo, the result of the first match was a letdown: Ihor Kostyuk’s men completely controlled the game but hit the target just six times out of 27 attempts. The very next day, Dynamo’s reserves defeated Radomiak 4:2, after which the squad continued their preparations at their Vita-Litovska base before heading to Romania via Poland.
All eyes will be on Matvei Ponomarenko, who, according to sources, is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund and Galatasaray. On the right side of defense, Tomasz Kędziora replaced Oleksandr Karavaev, and the main challenge for this young team will be to break their poor away run in European competition: five consecutive defeats with an aggregate score of 2:12.
Match facts and head-to-head
- The first leg ended 0-0, despite Dynamo registering 27 shots, six of which were on target.
- Universitatea are winless in eight straight matches, including friendlies.
- Dynamo Kyiv have lost their last five away European matches by a combined score of 2:12.
Can Dynamo end their losing streak? Prediction for Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv
The hosts will have to show more ambition than in the first leg, but recent games suggest Bergodi’s team still struggle to control proceedings. Universitatea often surrender possession and allow too many chances, and Lukic’s absence further limits their attacking options.
Dynamo have the edge in pace, aggression, and creative quality. If the Kyiv side can improve their finishing and avoid letting the Romanians drag the match into a nervy finish, they should progress confidently to the next round.
