Lazio vs CFR Cluj

Lazio’s maiden foray into the Europa Conference League sees them take on CFR Cluj at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg of their knockout playoffs tie.

Lazio’s underwhelming Europa League Group F campaign resulted in a dismal third-place finish behind Feyenoord and Midtjylland, forcing them to join the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League for the first time. Heading into their Europa Conference League debut, Maurizio Sarri’s men have alternated between losing (2) and drawing (2) in four matches across all competitions, averaging just 0.5 goals per game. However, the Italians haven’t lost any of their last seven home outings in major European competitions (W4, D3), netting 2+ goals in the most recent four such contests. That said, ‘I Biancocelesti’ are winless in their last three home fixtures in the European knockout stages (D1, L2). Maybe it’s time to rectify those mistakes, with Lazio winning both previous home meetings with Cluj in UEFA-sanctioned clashes.

On the other hand, visiting CFR Cluj eked out a 1-0 home win over Ballkani in the final round of the Europa Conference League group phase to secure a runner-up spot in Group G behind Sivasspor (W3, D1, L2). Interestingly, each of their five Europa Conference League fixtures (won/lost) this season has seen the winner on the day keep a clean sheet, highlighting the significance of drawing first blood. But unless they defy a ponderous record of one win from their last 16 away matches in major European competitions (D5, L9), qualifying included, this could be the end of the road for the Romanian powerhouse. Worryingly for head coach Dan Petrescu, his men have failed to get on the scoresheet on seven of their last 12 continental travels, netting precisely once in the remaining five.