Prediction for the Alashkert vs CFR Cluj match: will the Armenian club have enough strength for another sensation? - 23.07.2026
On July 23 in Yerevan, the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League second qualifying round will take place, with Armenian side Alashkert hosting Romanian outfit CFR Cluj.
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At first glance, the favorite seems obvious, but football is a game of surprises—and the home side have already shown that they know how to dig deep and fight for results.
In the previous round, Alashkert delivered one of the most dramatic matches of this qualification campaign. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Armenian club played out a 2-2 thriller against Kazakhstan’s Yelimay, clinching their spot in the next round only via a penalty shootout. What’s more, the decisive moment came literally in the dying seconds of extra time, so the team’s emotional energy is at its peak.
Alashkert: powered by character and commitment
After such a battle, the Armenian squad will surely feel a surge of self-belief. Yes, their performance was far from flawless, but it’s precisely these kinds of games that often forge a team’s character.
It’s clear, though, that facing CFR Cluj will require a completely different approach. If against Yelimay they could play on more equal terms, now the hosts will likely spend more time without the ball and look to strike on the counterattack.
At the same time, home advantage should not be underestimated. Playing in Yerevan is never easy, especially for teams just kicking off their European campaign.
CFR Cluj: experience that can’t be underestimated
The Romanian club begins its European journey straight from the second qualifying round and is considered one of the favorites in this tie. In recent years, CFR Cluj have been regulars in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, so they have no shortage of experience in two-legged European ties.
It’s also interesting to note that these teams have already crossed paths in Europe. In the Europa League qualifiers back in 2018, CFR Cluj convincingly beat Alashkert twice (2-0 and 5-0), although much has changed since then and both squads have evolved significantly.
What should you watch for?
The main intrigue is how quickly Alashkert can recover after their grueling clash with Yelimay. Extra time and a penalty shootout always leave their mark—not just physically, but emotionally as well.
CFR Cluj, on the other hand, arrive fresh and well-prepared. The Romanian side is unlikely to go all-out from the very first minutes. Most likely, the visitors will look to calmly control the tempo, use their experience, and patiently wait for their opponent’s mistakes.
If the Armenian club can keep the tie alive until the end of the first leg, they’ll still have a fighting chance ahead of the return fixture in Cluj-Napoca. But if the visitors manage to score early, things could get very tough for the hosts.
Despite Alashkert’s fighting spirit, the gulf in class and European experience is hard to ignore. CFR Cluj know how to navigate these two-legged ties and rarely slip up in the early rounds of qualification.
Still, the hosts are sure to put up a fight and will try to seize any opportunity up front.
Prediction: both teams to score – yes.
