Universitatea Craiova vs ML Vitebsk prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, July 15, 2026
Champions League
In the Champions League qualification round of 16 on July 15, 2026, the second leg will take place between Universitatea Craiova and ML Vitebsk. The outcome was largely decided in the previous encounter.
Universitatea Craiova vs ML Vitebsk: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Craiova claimed the national title four times in the last century. However, after their 1990 championship, they only managed to win a few more cup trophies. Last season, they unexpectedly secured a "golden double." In the Super Cup, they faced their counterparts from Cluj, and after a draw, won the penalty shootout to add another trophy to their collection.
The team from Vitebsk only made its debut in its current form in the Premier League last season—and sensationally emerged as champions! They performed fairly well in the current campaign as well, but in July, manager Adiev was controversially dismissed. As a result, they are now trailing Dynamo Minsk by a couple of points in the domestic standings.
In the first match, played in Hungary, the nominal home side managed only to equalize after conceding first. However, they ultimately suffered a heavy defeat, 1-4, leaving little intrigue for the return leg.
Previous Meetings: Universitatea Craiova vs ML Vitebsk
It is hardly surprising that the young Belarusian project has not traveled to Romania before.
The hosts are stronger, and now they play at home. The recommendation is to back them with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds – 1.75).
Universitatea Craiova vs ML Vitebsk: Key Statistics and Trends
- Universitatea Craiova have drawn five of their last eight matches in regular time
- The club averages 1.63 goals scored per game, conceding nearly half as much—0.83 per match
- 43% of Universitatea Craiova's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.45 goals per match
- ML Vitebsk have won two of their last six matches in regular time
- On average, ML Vitebsk score 2.14 goals and concede 0.93 goals per match
- 64% of ML Vitebsk's matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 3.07 goals per match
Universitatea Craiova vs ML Vitebsk: Possible Starting Lineups
Universitatea Craiova employs a 1-3-4-3 formation (probable lineup): Popescu – Rus, Stevanovic, Romanchuk – Bancu, Mekvabishvili, Cicaldau, Telesh – Bayaram, Al-Hamlawi, Etim
ML Vitebsk uses a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Pavlyuchenko – Moskalenchik, Gomanov, Volkov, Skibsky – Mesarovich, Bocherov, Gromyko – Bosic, Kontsevoy, Diabate
Follow the Champions League qualification standings and check on your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
