In a thrilling encounter at Cluj Arena, Universitatea Cluj edged out their fierce rivals CFR Cluj with a narrow 1-0 victory on March 31, 2025, in the second stage of the SuperLiga play-off. The match, which saw a vibrant crowd of 22,334 fans, showcased the intensity and rivalry that defines this local derby.
It was a match filled with missed opportunities and dramatic moments. Louis Munteanu, the top scorer of the league, had the first significant chance to put CFR ahead in the 13th minute. After receiving a well-placed pass from Adi Păun, Munteanu found himself in a prime position but unfortunately directed his shot wide of the goal. This miss would prove crucial as the game progressed.
As the first half neared its conclusion, it was U Cluj who capitalized on their chance. In the 43rd minute, Vladislav Blănuță scored the only goal of the match. The play unfolded when a powerful shot from Macalou was parried by CFR goalkeeper Hindrich, and Blănuță was quick to react, slotting the ball home from close range. This goal not only gave U Cluj the lead but also marked Blănuță's 11th goal of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a key player for the team.
The second half saw CFR Cluj ramp up their efforts in search of an equalizer. They dominated possession and created several opportunities, but the U Cluj defense held firm. In the 59th minute, Simao came close to leveling the score when his shot struck the bar, sending a ripple of anxiety through the U Cluj supporters. Just moments later, in the 80th minute, Mamadou Thiam also hit the crossbar directly from a corner, highlighting CFR's persistent pressure.
Despite their efforts, CFR could not find the back of the net, and the match ended with U Cluj celebrating a hard-fought victory. The win was particularly significant for U Cluj as it allowed them to climb to fourth place in the standings with 29 points, just three points behind leaders Universitatea Craiova and FCSB. Meanwhile, CFR Cluj remained in third place with 30 points, still in contention for the title but now facing increased pressure after this defeat.
Coach Ioan Ovidiu Sabău expressed his delight after the match, stating, "This victory is a testament to the hard work and determination of my players. We knew how important this match was, not just for the points but for our pride as well. We executed our game plan well and took our chance when it mattered most."
On the other side, CFR Cluj's coach Dan Petrescu was understandably disappointed. "We controlled much of the game, but sometimes football can be cruel. We had our chances, but we just couldn't convert. This loss is tough to swallow, but we need to regroup and focus on our next matches," he remarked.
The rivalry between U Cluj and CFR Cluj has a rich history, with this being the 37th encounter in the SuperLiga. Historically, CFR has had the upper hand, with 18 victories compared to U Cluj's 7, alongside 11 draws. However, this season has seen a shift, with U Cluj winning all three encounters thus far, including two regular-season matches, both ending 3-2 in their favor.
This latest victory adds to the excitement of the ongoing SuperLiga play-off, where every point is crucial as teams vie for the championship title. The intensity of the derby and the stakes involved have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
As the teams look ahead, U Cluj will aim to build on this momentum, while CFR Cluj must quickly shake off this defeat to remain competitive in the title race. With the play-offs heating up, fans can expect more exhilarating matches in the weeks to come.
With the final whistle blown and the celebrations echoing across Cluj Arena, one thing is clear: the rivalry is alive and well, and both teams will be eager to continue their fight for supremacy in the weeks ahead.
