- FC Dinamo Bucuresti have lost four of their last five matches in all competitions.
- Universitatea Craiova have won three, drawn one and lost just one of their previous five.
- FC Dinamo Bucuresti have failed to win their last two home matches against Universitatea Craiova in all competitions.
Dinamo’s high-tempo style meets Craiova’s possession play
This is a match between two contrasting tactical systems and that should make for an open, competitive and exciting first round playoff game between two teams who are separated by four points in the Liga I Playoff 2025/2026 table.
Universitatea Craiova are second in the standings with 30 points from 1 match, while Dinamo are sixth with 26 points from 1. Our FC Dinamo Bucuresti vs Universitatea Craiova prediction is shaped by the fact that Craiova are a possession-based side who have looked the better of the two teams since Zeljko Kopic took charge of Dinamo in December 2023.
Kopic has had his side press the ball aggressively and play at a higher tempo than the opposition. His team have transitioned the ball quickly to get into the attacking third and can be devastating when they get things right. At home, Dinamo have won one and lost one of their two games and they can get the job done against anyone if they play at their best.
Craiova could have the edge
That said, they have lost form recently and come into this game after consecutive Liga I playoff defeats to CFR 1907 Cluj and Rapid Bucuresti. They did beat AFC Metalul Buzau 1-0 at home in the Romanian Cup last week, but it seems that their momentum may have gone.
This FC Dinamo Bucuresti vs Universitatea Craiova preview shows that Universitatea, under Filipe Coelho since November 2025, have adopted a more patient and possession-based approach and their recent games have been more controlled. Their midfielders have driven the team forward, while their creative players have thrived.
They beat CFR 1907 Cluj in the cup 3-1 after extra-time last week, drew 1-1 with Rapid Bucuresti on the road and were unlucky to lose 0-1 at home to FC Arges. They have been unbeaten in their two away games with a win and a draw, so our FC Dinamo Bucuresti vs Universitatea Craiova prediction is that they have enough about them to take the victory here.
Both teams to find the net looks likely
Dinamo’s pressing could cause some havoc in the first half and their ability to transition quickly and play wide could get at the visitors’ full-backs, but Craiova’s patience and willingness to build from the back could see them punish Dinamo’s higher defensive line.
The FC Dinamo Bucuresti vs Universitatea Craiova prediction is that Catalin Cirjan has been in good goalscoring form for Dinamo so far in the Liga I Playoff 2025/2026 and we can see him adding to his tally here. So, we are taking both teams to score at 1.83 and backing Craiova to win at 2.62.
If you are looking for FC Dinamo Bucuresti vs Universitatea Craiova betting tips, consider that the last two meetings between these teams in Liga I have finished all tied up and this is a well-poised match-up that Craiova could nick in a similar fashion.
