CFR Cluj arrive with a clean sheet in their only home qualifier so far, a 3-0 win that underlined their control at this stadium, while Tromso enter the tie on the back of consecutive domestic defeats. The Norwegian side conceded three times in their most recent away match and…
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Sign inCFR Cluj face Tromsø in the first leg of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round on 6 August 2026. The fixture marks the first competitive meeting between the two clubs as they chase a place in the play-off round.
CFR Cluj will be without defender Yuval Sade, who is sidelined through injury. The Israeli centre-back's absence reduces head coach Andrea Mandorlini's options at the back.
Tromsø are dealing with a longer absentee list. Midfielder Alexander Thongla-Iad Warneryd is suspended and will play no part, while full-back Leo Cornic and forward Viktor Ekblom are both ruled out through injury. The Norwegian visitors will need to shuffle their starting eleven, particularly in wide areas where Cornic's drive and Ekblom's direct running are normally assets. Lineups are expected to be confirmed roughly an hour before kick-off.
Cluj entered the Conference League at the second qualifying stage and progressed comfortably. After a 1-1 draw away from home, they won the return leg 3-0 to seal a 4-1 aggregate victory. Domestically, however, the Romanian side closed the 2025-26 Liga I season with three consecutive draws – results that hinted at a lack of cutting edge despite remaining hard to beat.
Tromsø began their European campaign in the Europa League qualifiers but were eliminated in the second round, losing both legs to exit 4-1 on aggregate. They have since responded well in the Eliteserien: a 4-1 win at HamKam, a 4-0 home victory over Vålerenga, and a goalless draw at KFUM Oslo have built momentum. That domestic sharpness contrasts with the setback they suffered on the continent and will be vital as they step into a Conference League tie.
CFR Cluj carry the weight of extensive UEFA competition experience. Seven Romanian titles and regular group-stage appearances in the Champions League and Europa League give the hosts a know-how that often proves decisive in two-legged qualifiers. Tromsø, meanwhile, have built a reputation for causing problems on the road in Europe, underpinned by a high-energy pressing game that has caught out more established opponents. How the Norwegian side's intensity holds up against Cluj's seasoned game management will likely shape the tie.
No head-to-head history exists between these sides, which removes the comfort of familiar patterns. Both squads will spend the opening exchanges probing for weaknesses rather than relying on previous encounters. The injury and suspension situation further complicates preparation, with neither manager able to field what would be considered their strongest available eleven.
The second leg takes place at Tromsø's home ground a week later. The winner over two legs advances to the Conference League play-off round, leaving a genuine chance of reaching the group stage within touching distance.
CFR 1907 Cluj
Coach: Antonio Folha
Tromso
Coach: Jorgen Vik
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