Reigning Romanian football champions Cluj take on Swedish champions Malmo in the Champions League second qualifying round on Tuesday. Cluj head into the fixture having bypassed the first qualifying round. Malmo, on the other hand, defeated Kosovo’s Drita 5-0 on aggregate.
The Swedes are in the middle of their domestic campaign and will have better match fitness under their belts. Cluj did kick off the Liga I season last Friday. Their opener ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw with Botosani.
Cluj haven’t played in the Champions League in five seasons, but they do have experience in the competition. Between 2008 and 2012, Cluj qualified for the group stage three times. Ten years ago, the Romanian champions didn’t have to go through the qualifying stages. Now, things are far different, and Cluj must play six matches to get into the group stage.
Malmo warmed up for their Champions league match against Cluj with a 2-1 Allvenskan win over Orebro at the weekend. The Swedish champions are unbeaten in their last five league matches. Malmo have allowed just three goals during that time while keeping two clean sheets. The attack has scored 10 goals in the last five games. Cluj will need to be at their best to stop the Swedes on Tuesday.
In 26 Liga I games in 2017-18, Cluj allowed a paltry 13 goals. A further six strikes were given up in the Liga I playoffs as Cluj went undefeated in the 10-match post-season. In all, Cluj’s stout defence allowed just 19 goals over 36 matches. Cluj weren’t the most prolific in front of goal a year ago, which they showed in their Liga I season opener. The team tallied 42 regular season goals and 12 playoff strikes.
Malmo do have a fitter squad heading into the Champions league second qualifying round fixture. The club is 15 matches into the season plus it has played two Champions League matches already. However, Malmo are terrible on the road in the Champions League. Despite beating Drita away, Malmo have lost 11 of their last 14 road games in the Champions league.
Cluj may not have played the same number of fixtures as Malmo, but they are the sportsbooks’ favourite heading into the clash. Cluj have the ability to play tight, defensive football. Malmo will struggle to break Cluj’s defence down away from home. The Romanians will see out a narrow win and head to Sweden with the advantage.