CS Universitatea Craiova vs Istanbul Basaksehir Prediction & Betting Tips - Conference League

Prediction published on 26/08/2025, 13:30  by Ita Emmanuel in Conference League Predictions

Universitatea Craiova host Basaksehir in this second leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League playoff on Thursday. The White-Blues will look to build on their shock first-leg victory against the Grey Owls to secure their place in the league phase of the competition. Check out our prediction for the match below.

Universitatea Craiova ran out with a shock win against Basaksehir in the first leg in Istanbul. Alexandru Cicaldau and Carlos Mora scored in each half as the Lions from Bănie roared to a stunning 2-1 victory. This result saw the team close in on what could be their first-ever appearance in the main phase of a UEFA club competition.

They will strive to build on that impressive first-leg result as they host the Turkish representatives in Craiova. Mirel Rădoi’s side have won each of their last seven competitive home fixtures, including both of their Conference League qualifying home matches.

Basaksehir’s hopes of a third appearance in the UEFA Europa Conference League main phase are in dire straits after the underwhelming first-leg performance in front of their home fans. The Turkish side dominated the game, but struggled in attack and eventually fell to Universitatea Craiova’s superior firepower.

Çağdaş Atan’s side face a tall order in overturning this deficit in Craiova on Thursday. They are winless in their last three matches, drawing two and losing one.