FC Maramures Baia Mare and ACS Viitorul Cluj played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Romanian Liga III on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The match at the Stadionul Viorel Mateianu in Baia Mare saw the lead change hands twice, with the hosts ultimately rescuing a point late in the second half.

The result leaves both teams in the middle of the Liga III table, with FC Maramures Baia Mare showing character to come from behind, while ACS Viitorul Cluj will be disappointed not to have held on for all three points after taking a second-half lead.

First half: Maramures lead, Viitorul respond

FC Maramures Baia Mare started the brighter and took the lead in the 18th minute. A well-worked move down the left ended with Andrei Pop firing a low shot into the bottom corner from just inside the penalty area. The home crowd celebrated, and Maramures continued to press for a second.

However, ACS Viitorul Cluj grew into the game and equalised in the 34th minute. A quickly taken free-kick caught the Maramures defence napping, and Cristian Moldovan nipped in ahead of the goalkeeper to poke the ball home. It was a goal that gave the visitors confidence, and the half ended level.

Second half: Viitorul ahead, Maramures salvage draw

ACS Viitorul Cluj started the second half on the front foot and took the lead in the 58th minute. Alexandru Ionescu received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his left foot, and curled a beautiful effort into the top corner. It was a moment of individual brilliance that stunned the home support.

Maramures responded with urgency. Coach Ioan Rus made attacking changes, and his team laid siege to the Viitorul goal. The equaliser finally arrived in the 82nd minute when Vasile Rus rose highest to head home a corner. Maramures pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Viitorul defended resolutely to secure a point.

Key moments and standout players

• 18' – Goal: Andrei Pop (FC Maramures Baia Mare) opens the scoring.
• 34' – Goal: Cristian Moldovan (ACS Viitorul Cluj) equalises.
• 58' – Goal: Alexandru Ionescu (ACS Viitorul Cluj) scores a stunning effort to make it 2-1.
• 82' – Goal: Vasile Rus (FC Maramures Baia Mare) heads in the equaliser.

Standout player: Andrei Pop was lively throughout for Maramures, and his early goal set the tone. For Viitorul, Alexandru Ionescu's goal was the highlight of the match, and his creativity caused problems all afternoon.

What the draw means for the Liga III table

FC Maramures Baia Mare remain unbeaten at home but will feel they should have taken more from a game they largely controlled. They sit in mid-table and will need to turn draws into wins if they are to mount a promotion challenge. ACS Viitorul Cluj, meanwhile, continue to show they can compete with the best in the division. Their away form is encouraging, but holding onto leads remains a work in progress.

Both teams return to Liga III action next weekend. FC Maramures Baia Mare travel to face CSM Satu Mare, while ACS Viitorul Cluj host Someșul Dej. If this match is anything to go by, both sides will be involved in more high-scoring affairs this season.