CFR Cluj and Universitatea Craiova Play Out Stalemate in Super Liga Showdown

CFR Cluj and CS Universitatea Craiova fought out a goalless draw in a highly anticipated Romanian Super Liga encounter on 9 May 2026. The match, played at the Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu, saw both sides cancel each other out in a tense, tactical affair that had few clear-cut chances.

Match Overview

With both teams vying for European qualification spots, the stakes were high. Cluj enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges but found a resolute Craiova defence hard to break down. The visitors, meanwhile, grew into the game after half-time and created two excellent opportunities, only to be denied by Cluj goalkeeper Otto Hindrich and poor finishing. In the end, a point apiece was a fair reflection of a match dominated by structure rather than flair.

Key Moments

• 22' Cluj chance: Winger Ciprian Deac cut inside and curled a shot just wide of the far post.
• 44' Craiova chance: Striker Florin Cernat headed over from close range after a pinpoint cross.
• 67' Cluj chance: Substitute Bilel Omrani saw his powerful drive brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Mirko Pigliacelli.
• 81' Craiova chance: Midfielder Alexandru Mateiu fired straight at Hindrich from 12 yards after a counter-attack.

Tactical Story

Cluj manager Dan Petrescu set up in a 4-3-3, looking to press high and win the ball in advanced areas. Craiova, under Eugen Trică, countered with a compact 4-4-2, clogging the central zones. The midfield battle was where the game was won and lost—Cluj’s Lovro Cvek and Craiova’s Vladimir Screciu nullified each other, leaving few spaces for attackers. Set pieces offered the only real danger, but neither side could convert from dead balls.

Standout Performers

• Otto Hindrich (Cluj): Made three saves, including a crucial one-on-one stop in the second half. His composure kept Cluj in the game.
• Mirko Pigliacelli (Craiova): The Italian goalkeeper was equally impressive, with four saves, the best coming from Omrani’s drive.
• Vladimir Screciu (Craiova): Won five tackles and seven duels, breaking up Cluj’s rhythm effectively.

Table and Season Impact

The draw leaves CFR Cluj in fourth place in the Romanian Super Liga, three points behind third-placed FCSB but with a game in hand. Universitatea Craiova remain fifth, four points adrift of Cluj. Both teams still have realistic hopes of securing a Europa Conference League spot. The result also extended Cluj’s unbeaten home run to seven matches, while Craiova extended their unbeaten streak to four.

Kick-off: 2:00 AM local time, 9 May 2026 | Attendance: 12,400