Universitatea Cluj won the derby against city rivals CFR Cluj with a score of 3-2 (0-1) on Monday evening, in the final match of the 19th round of the Superliga football league.
CFR took the lead late in the first half through Louis Munteanu (45+2), who scored after Universitatea’s goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas saved his penalty attempt. The penalty was awarded for a foul committed by Ovidiu Bic on Adrian Păun.
Universitatea turned the game around in the second half, scoring three goals in a span of 20 minutes. Argentine defender Lucas Masoero netted twice (51, 58), followed by Vladislav Blănuță (69), who shot past goalkeeper Otto Hindrich.
Virgiliu Postolachi’s goal (83), after his initial header from a corner struck the post, added excitement to the closing minutes, but Universitatea held on for the victory and reclaimed first place.
Universitatea had come into the game following three consecutive defeats and a draw. Meanwhile, CFR was unbeaten in eight matches, with four wins and four draws.
Universitatea also won the first-leg match with the same scoreline, 3-2.
This marked the 36th direct encounter in the top domestic competition between the two Cluj-Napoca teams. The head-to-head record now stands at 7 wins for Universitatea (“the red caps”), 18 wins for CFR, and 11 draws.
FC Universitatea Cluj – FC CFR 1907 Cluj 3-2 (0-1), Cluj Arena – Cluj-Napoca
Goals: Lucas Masoero (51, 58), Vladislav Blănuță (69); Louis Munteanu (45+2), Virgiliu Postolachi (83).
Penalty missed: Louis Munteanu (45+2, saved by Edvinas Gertmonas).