Craiova vs Mainz Prediction 28 November 2025

🔊 The fourth round of the Conference League match between Universitatea Craiova and Mainz promises to be an intriguing test for both teams. The Romanians are traditionally tenacious at home and are set to offer aggressive, high-energy football backed by their passionate fans. Meanwhile, the Germans arrive with a more structured system and experience on the European stage. Different styles, different tempos, but one goal – to strengthen their standing in the group and make a significant statement.

Head-to-Head

⚠ These teams have not faced each other before.

Craiova Team Overview

The team's last official match took place on as part of the Liga 1 tournament (home team – Argeș, away team – Craiova). The match concluded with a scoreline of 1-2.

Here are the match statistics (Craiova vs Argeș):

• possession percentage: 56% vs 44%;
• corner kicks: 0 vs 13;
• fouls: 17 vs 14;
• yellow cards: 3 vs 3;
• shots on target: 4 vs 2.

🔵 Universitatea Craiova approach the match in a challenging position. The "Students" sit 20th in the overall group standings: their opening round ended in a defeat to Polish side Raków (0-2), followed by a draw with Armenian club Noah (1-1). However, in the last round, they secured an important away victory against Vienna's Rapid (1-0). A win at home against the favorites would bring the Romanian club closer to the top eight and bolster their playoff hopes. Craiova still face two significant challenges ahead—a home match against Sparta and an away game against Greek side AEK.

⚪ In their domestic league, Filipe Coelho's squad are positioned near the top of the table: third place in the Superliga, with 32 points after 17 rounds, and a goal difference of 29:19. Nonetheless, even at home, the game against Mainz promises to be extremely tough—Universitatea have won just once in their last five matches.

Mainz Team Overview

The last official match for the current visitors took place on in the Bundesliga, where Mainz hosted Hoffenheim. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Here are the game statistics (Mainz vs Hoffenheim):

• possession: 44% vs 56%;
• corners: 7 vs 4;
• fouls: 13 vs 13;
• yellow cards: 3 vs 2;
• shots on target: 3 vs 5.

🔴 Mainz, under Bo Henriksen, are confidently affirming their status as one of the favorites in the Conference League. In the last round, the '05ers secured a notable home victory over Fiorentina (2-1), showcasing maturity and a clear game structure. Prior to that, they clinched two narrow wins against Cypriot side Omonia (1-0) and Bosnian club Zrinjski Mostar (1-0). Mainz are level on points with Celje and Samsunspor, sitting in third place only due to a less impressive goal difference (4:1). After their trip to Craiova, Henriksen and his squad will face Polish side Lech Poznań and Turkish club Samsunspor.

⚪ Domestically, things are noticeably tougher: in the Bundesliga, Mainz are struggling in 17th place, second from bottom, with just one win and three draws after eleven rounds. Their goal difference also highlights issues—11:19. Success in Europe hasn't translated to the league; immediately after their victory over Fiorentina, they suffered a defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt (0-1) away, followed by a home draw against Hoffenheim (1-1).

Latest news

Craiova

❌ The team faces roster setbacks: Vladimir Skrechu, Carlos Mora, and Mihnea Radulescu will be unavailable for the upcoming match.

Mainz

❌ The squad situation remains challenging: Anthony Caci is still in recovery, and Maxime Dall also remains sidelined.

Prediction for the 1st half

First Half Statistics: Craiova (home) vs Mainz (away)

• matches played in the tournament: 4 vs 2;
• wins: 2 (50%) vs 0 (0%);
• losses: 0 (0%) vs 0 (0%);
• draws: 2 (50%) vs 2 (100%);
• average goals scored: 1 vs 1;
• average goals conceded: 0.25 vs 0.5.

Last 10 Matches (overall):

• wins: 4 vs 2;
• losses: 2 vs 5;
• draws: 4 vs 3;
• average first-half total: 1.2 (scored – 0.7, conceded – 0.5) vs 1.3 (scored – 0.4, conceded – 0.9).

• Craiova have scored in the first half at home in 7 consecutive matches.

Outcome Prediction

Outcome Prediction

Stats: Craiova vs Mainz

• Matches played in the tournament: 3 vs 3;
• Wins: 5 vs 4;
• Win percentage: 56% vs 80%;
• Losses: 3 vs 1;
• Draws: 1 vs 0.

Last 10 matches:

• Wins: 4 vs 3;
• Losses: 3 vs 5;
• Draws: 3 vs 2.

• Craiova are unbeaten at home in 14 of their last 15 matches.
• Craiova avoid defeat in 7 of their last 8 matches.

Total Goals Prediction

Stats: Craiova vs Mainz

• Average total in the tournament: 3.22 vs 2.6;
• Average goals scored: 2 vs 1.8;
• Average total in the first half: 0.67 vs 1;
• Average total in the second half: 1.33 vs 0.8;
• Craiova: average home total in the tournament - 2.75;
• Mainz: average away total in the tournament - 1;
• Last 10 matches (average total): 1.4 (home - 1.75) vs 1 (away - 0.5).

• Craiova have scored at home in 16 consecutive matches.
• Craiova have found the net in 8 of their last 9 matches (Conference League).
• Mainz have conceded in 8 of their last 9 matches.

Corners Prediction

Craiova: Stats

• Season: average total in the tournament - 3.67; at home - 3.75;
• Last 10 matches: average total - 6.1; at home - 9.25.

Mainz: Stats

• Season: average total in the tournament - 6.4, away - 6.5;
• Last 10 matches: average total - 4.3; away - 5.

• Craiova deliver more than 2.5 corners at home in 7 of their last 8 matches.

Cards Prediction

Craiova: Stats

• Season: average total in the tournament - 2.67; at home - 2.5;
• Last 10 matches: average total - 2.6; at home - 2.5.

Mainz: Stats

• Season: average total in the tournament - 1.6, away - 1.5;
• Last 10 matches: average total - 3; away - 3.

Both Teams to Score Prediction

Stats: Craiova vs Mainz

• Matches played in the tournament: 3 vs 3;
• Matches this season where both teams scored (BTTS): 5 vs 3;
• Craiova's home BTTS count – 2 (50%);
• Mainz's away BTTS count – 1 (50%).

Last 10 matches:

• BTTS matches count: 6 vs 5;
• Craiova's home BTTS count – 4 (100%);
• Mainz's away BTTS count – 1 (25%).

• Craiova score and concede at home in five consecutive matches.

The match in Craiova shapes up as a clash between teams in contrasting phases of their season. Universitatea are scrapping for every point in European competitions and play more aggressively at home, but their inconsistent results and significant squad issues increase the risks. Mainz, on the other hand, have been highly focused in the European tournament: three wins in three matches, disciplined defense, and efficient execution of key moments. While they face challenges in the Bundesliga, Henriksen's side display confidence and pragmatism in the Conference League.

Considering current form, quality of play, and squad depth, Mainz appear to be the favorites. Universitatea can certainly put up a fight, but the visitors' stability on the European stage gives them an edge. However, our prediction is that Craiova will score a goal, as the "students" have found the net in 16 consecutive home games. A surprise draw, such as 1-1, is quite possible.