CSM Adjud produced an evening to remember, defeating ACS KSE Targu Secuiesc 2-1 in the Romanian Cup on 5 August 2026. The match, played at Adjud's home ground, was a hard-fought cup tie that featured two disciplined sides battling for the right to advance and the chance to face higher-division opposition in a later round.

Match Overview

From the outset, CSM Adjud played with intensity and aggression, pressing high and forcing their visitors into uncomfortable decisions. KSE Targu Secuiesc, however, demonstrated their own quality in possession and slowly grew into the match. It was the home side who struck first, but the visitors responded almost immediately, making the remainder of the contest an even and tense affair. A goal in the second half from CSM Adjud proved to be the difference as the home side advanced in the competition.

Key Moments

• Opening goal: CSM Adjud opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when a long throw-in was flicked on at the near post and met by a side-footed finish seven yards out.
• Quick equalizer: KSE Targu Secuiesc levelled the contest within five minutes, converting a well-delivered free-kick with a glancing header into the far corner.
• Winning goal: The decisive moment came in the 67th minute, when CSM Adjud's forward intercepted a loose pass, rounded the goalkeeper, and rolled the ball into an empty net.
• Late defence: The home side had to withstand sustained pressure in the final ten minutes, including a goal-line clearance in stoppage time.

Tactical Breakdown

CSM Adjud set up in a 4-4-2 shape, with their wide midfielders tucking in to deny space through the centre. They targeted KSE Targu Secuiesc's full-backs with direct runs in behind and repeatedly used long diagonal balls to switch the play. KSE Targu Secuiesc, operating in a 4-2-3-1, possessed more of the ball but struggled to find a route through a deep home back line. In the second half, the visitors pushed men forward and switched to a more aggressive pressing game, but this openness ultimately led to the counter-attack that settled the tie.

Impact on the Romanian Cup

CSM Adjud's progression highlights the magic of the Romanian Cup, where lower-league clubs can compete with ambition and spring surprises. Their reward is a place in the next stage, where they will be hoping for a favorable draw that could pit them against a top-flight side. For KSE Targu Secuiesc, the defeat marks an early exit, though their performance arguably deserved more on the night.