Sevilla vs CFR Cluj Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 24/02/2020, 09:45  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 26/02/2020 at 18:41 in Europa League Predictions

Europa League stalwarts Sevilla continue their bid to win a first UEL since 2016 when they play the second leg of their Round of 32 battle against Cluj in Andalucia on Thursday. The scores are level at 1-1 after the first tie in Romania last week, a late Sevilla goal ensuring that they returned to Spain on equal terms. Cluj took the lead in that game and frustrated their opponents, who had more possession and twice as many shots on goal. A penalty put them ahead, converted by veteran Ciprian Deac, before Luuk De Jong squared the ball to Youssef En-Nesyri for a tap-in. It continued a frustrating run of results for Sevilla, the stalemate being their fifth game without a win. However, they may have turned a corner since. Their 3-0 win at high-flying Getafe in La Liga brought a smile back to the face of Julen Lopetegui and brought the club back up to fourth in the table. 

The late En-Nesryri strike was a blow for Cluj. They knew that winning at home was their best opportunity to progress and now must score an away goal in order to make it to the Last 16 stage of the competition. We don't see that happening due to their mediocre record on the road in Europe this season. They have only managed to win two of their seven away European fixtures in this campaign. They travel to take on a Sevilla that have won all of their home fixtures in the group stage and have only lost two of their 16 matches at home in all competitions. We suggest backing the home side to win with a clean sheet.