Tromso carry a massive 5-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa Conference League third qualifying round tie against CFR Cluj on Thursday, 13 August 2026, at 19:00 ET at Romssa Arena. After a one-sided first leg, the Norwegian Eliteserien side are in complete control, while CFR Cluj face a near-impossible task to keep their Conference League run alive.
The first leg ended 5-0 on Thursday night, and Isak Dahlqvist was the standout performer for Tromso with a hat-trick. The result leaves CFR Cluj needing an extraordinary turnaround in Norway, especially with no second-leg momentum to lean on after neither side had played since that opening match.
What the first leg changed
A 5-0 first-leg result is more than a simple advantage. It changes the entire tone of the tie. Tromso do not need to chase the game, and CFR Cluj must approach the return match with urgency from the opening whistle. In practical terms, the Romanian SuperLiga side need a response that would rank among the most dramatic in the competition's qualifying rounds.
For Tromso, the job is straightforward. Stay organized, avoid giving away early chances, and keep the tie under control. For CFR Cluj, the margin leaves little room for a cautious approach. They need goals quickly, but opening up too much could make the night even harder.
Team context and recent form
Tromso enter the second leg with strong recent numbers behind them. Across 16 matches, they have produced 5 wins, 2 losses and 3 draws, while averaging 2.3 goals from 13.0 attempts and 5.1 shots on goal per match. They have also held 48.9% possession and averaged 3.8 corners per match.
CFR Cluj's recent profile is more mixed. Their record includes 3 wins, 3 losses and 4 draws, with 1.4 goals from 15.2 attempts and 4.1 shots on goal per match. They have averaged 52.4% possession and 6.2 corners, but the first leg showed how quickly the game can slip away when the defensive structure breaks down.
The betting angle also reflects the size of the gap, with the analysis centered on CFR Cluj +1.25 on the Asian Handicap. Even that number points to how difficult the assignment is for the visitors, who must at least steady the match and avoid another heavy defeat.
Second-leg outlook
The confirmed second leg is set for Romssa Arena in Norway, and the simple question is whether CFR Cluj can produce the kind of start that gives them any hope at all. Tromso have the luxury of playing from ahead, and that should allow them to manage the tempo if they keep their shape.
For CFR Cluj, the mission is no longer just about advancing. It is about finding a performance that restores some pride and, if possible, makes the scoreline more respectable. After a 5-0 loss in the first leg, that will be the minimum expectation on a long night in Norway.
