Universitatea Cluj
Dynamo Kyiv
Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv Predictions, Picks & Odds – 16/07/2026
Europa League · 1st Qualifying RoundUniversitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv – Best bets of the match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 5.40 | 4.10 | 1.55 | View Odds |
· Confidence Medium
Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv Preview
Universitatea Cluj return to European competition for the first time in over five decades, their last UEFA Cup outing dating back to 1972/73. The Romanian side held firm in the first leg, earning a creditable goalless draw in Poland. Their recent domestic form offers a mixed picture, though, having lost the Super Cup to Universitatea Craiova on penalties. Manager and players alike will view this home second leg as a historic opportunity to advance.
Dynamo Kyiv carry significant European pedigree into this tie, seeking a Europa League league phase return for the first time since 2022/23. Forced to host the first leg in Poland due to the war in Ukraine, Ihor Kostiuk's side managed a clean sheet despite challenging circumstances. A recent 4-2 friendly win over Radomiak Radom suggests sharpness in attack, with Vitaliy Buyalskyi pressing his case for a starting berth after a hat-trick in that tune-up fixture.
The goalless first leg in Poland means Dynamo Kyiv hold a structural advantage heading into this second leg. A draw at 4.10 would be enough for the Ukrainian side to progress, and that reality shapes how both teams must approach the fixture. Universitatea Cluj are forced to push forward, which could leave gaps at the back for a Dynamo side well versed in European knockout football.
Vitaliy Buyalskyi's hat-trick in a recent friendly signals that Dynamo's attacking options are sharpening at the right moment. Manager Ihor Kostiuk acknowledged the emotional toll of ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet his squad's recent run, including a convincing friendly victory over Radomiak Radom, suggests focus and fitness are not lacking. Cluj, meanwhile, lost their Super Cup shootout to Universitatea Craiova, hardly the confidence boost needed before a European decider.
Our recommended selection is Draw or Away (X2), backed by the away odds at 1.55. Dynamo's continental pedigree dwarfs that of their Romanian opponents, and the tactical incentive to sit deep and counter suits a side that only needs to avoid defeat. The draw market at 4.10 also carries genuine appeal given the low-scoring nature of the first leg. Odds correct at time of publication.
Trends to Know about Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv
- Dynamo Kyiv beat Radomiak Radom 4-2 recently
- Buyalskyi scored hat-trick in warm-up match
- Cluj lost Super Cup on penalties recently
Form & Statistics: Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv
Universitatea Cluj
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Dynamo Kyiv
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Lineups: Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv
Universitatea Cluj
Starters
- 1 Neophytos Michael
- 2 Jug Stanojev
- 3 Iulian Cristea
- 4 Andrei Coubis
- 5 Alexandru Chipciu
- 6 Dorin Codrea
- 7 Mouhamadou Drammeh
- 8 Ovidiu Bic
- 9 Marius Stefanescu
- 10 Issouf Macalou
- 11 Oucasse Mendy
Bench
- Lefter
- Coșa
- Trică
- Dan Nistor
- Friday Adams
- Pedro Pinho
- Ibuchi Chukwu
- Alibek Aliev
- Alin Techereș
Absent
- Alin Chinteș (injury)
- Virgiliu Postolachi (suspended)
- Alessandro Murgia (suspended)
- Andrei Artean (injury)
- Taiwo Olakunle (suspended)
- Tobias Horn (suspended)
- M. Moraru (suspended)
- I. Barstan (suspended)
- Miguel Silva (suspended)
- Jovo Lukic (suspended)
- Jonathan Cissé (suspended)
- Dino Mikanovic (injury)
- Gabriel Simion (injury)
- Denis Moldovan (suspended)
- Elio Capradossi (suspended)
- Andrei Gheorghiță (suspended)
Dynamo Kyiv
Starters
- 1 Ruslan Neshcheret
- 2 Tomasz Kedziora
- 3 Kristian Bilovar
- 4 Taras Mykhavko
- 5 Vladyslav Dubinchak
- 6 Oleksandr Pikhalyonok
- 7 Volodymyr Brazhko
- 8 Mykola Shaparenko
- 9 Nazar Voloshyn
- 10 Matviy Ponomarenko
- 11 Bohdan Redushko
Bench
- Illia Olkhovyi
- Viacheslav Surkis
- Kostiantyn Vivcharenko
- Maksym Korobov
- Valentyn Rubchynskyi
- Shola Ogundana
- Oleksiy Gusev
- Navin Malysh
- Vitaliy Buyalskyi
- Eduardo Guerrero
- Aliou Thiare
- Vladyslav Herych
Absent
- Denys Popov (injury)
- Vitaliy Lobko (injury)
- Mykola Mykhaylenko (injury)
- Reshat Ramadani (injury)
- Vladyslav Kabaev (injury)
- Benito (suspended)
- Roman Salenko (injury)
- Vladyslav Zakharchenko (injury)
- Denis Popov (Knee surgery, will miss the start of the new season and was not included in the Europa League roster.)
- Kyrylo Osypenko (Knee joint injury, underwent surgery, expected to miss more than a month.)
- Mykola Mykhailenko (Knee surgery, expected back in approximately one month from June 24.)
- Pierre Mungenge (Training individually and has not yet worked with the team.)
Medium confidence
A 4-2-3-1 against a 4-3-3 sets up an intriguing midfield contest in Cluj-Napoca. Marius Stefanescu operating in the number ten role will be central to how the hosts unlock a Dynamo Kyiv side that looks to press and transition quickly through Mykola Shaparenko in the engine room.
Both probable XIs carry reasonable confidence, sourced from multiple outlets ahead of this first-leg qualifier. Cluj's double pivot will need to absorb Kyiv's wide threats in the 4-3-3, while the hosts' front four combination could exploit any gaps left by the visitors' attacking fullbacks on a potentially lively Romanian evening.
Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv Match?
What time is Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv?
Universitatea Cluj host Dynamo Kyiv on 16 July 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 local time.
Where is Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv being played?
The confirmed venue for this second leg has not yet been announced. Details will be updated once available.
How Can I Watch Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv on TV and Live Stream?
Broadcasting details for Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kyiv will be confirmed closer to the 16 July kickoff.