Prediction CSM Iaşi vs Petrolul 52 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the Romania Cup on 27/08/2025

Match context and immediate storyline

The Romania Cup play-off tie at Stadionul Emil Alexandrescu in Iaşi on 27 August pits CSM Iaşi against Petrolul 52 in a fixture that promises cup drama. The home side arrive with mixed but encouraging recent results that suggest resilience at Emil Alexandrescu: a goalless draw away at Voluntari, back-to-back victories including a convincing 3-0 home success over Gloria Bistrita, and a narrow 2-1 win at FC Bacău. Petrolul 52, meanwhile, have been inconsistent in the build-up; they were beaten 2-0 by Universitatea Craiova on 24 August and have more draws and defeats than wins in recent outings. The cup setting always levels differences between divisions, but form and momentum heading into this one slightly favour the hosts.

Form, recent meetings and what it means

Looking at the immediate history between these two sides, Petrolul recorded a 2-0 win in Iaşi back in May in a Liga 1 relegation round meeting, showing they can impose themselves on this ground. However, that result sits alongside a run of uneven performances for Petrolul in August, and their last match ended in a clear 2-0 loss. CSM Iaşi’s recent formline reads as more compact and confident on home soil — multiple wins and the ability to grind out a 0-0 away draw hint at a team that can manage tight knockout matches.

Petrolul’s recent away performances and league schedule likely stretch their resources, and their string of draws and losses suggests vulnerabilities that a motivated cup opponent can exploit. The visitors did have a standout performer in their last outing — Raul Bălbărău earned the best player rating for Petrolul in their defeat — but the team’s collective results are what matters in a one-off cup tie. Home advantage at a city stadium with a capacity of just over 11,000 can become a real factor in a knockout atmosphere; CSM Iaşi will be keen to use that at full tilt.

Prediction and betting tip

This feels like a tilt toward the home side. CSM Iaşi have steadier recent results, a confident run at Emil Alexandrescu, and the momentum of a team used to fighting in tight domestic encounters. Petrolul 52 remain dangerous on their day, but their August form and a fresh defeat make them the less reliable pick for a knockout match away from home. Backing CSM Iaşi to win on the 1X2 market is the clearest play from the available data — a measured selection based on home momentum, recent clean defensive displays and Petrolul’s inconsistent sequence.

Betting suggestion: 1 (CSM Iaşi to win) — confidence: moderate.