Sepsi OSK Sfantul Gheorghe 3-1 CFR Cluj — Sepsi OSK Sfantul Gheorghe produced an impressive 3-1 victory over CFR Cluj in the Romanian Super Liga on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Arena Sepsi OSK. The home side delivered a bold, high-energy performance to hand CFR Cluj a significant setback in the race for the championship playoff places.

Match overview

Sepsi began with real intensity, pressing CFR Cluj high and refusing to let the visitors settle. That approach paid off in the 14th minute when Cosmin Matei scored with a precise finish after a quick exchange on the edge of the box. CFR Cluj responded with periods of possession, but Sepsi doubled their lead in the 41st minute through Marius Ștefănescu, who capitalised on a defensive mistake.

CFR Cluj pulled one back in the 57th minute when Ciprian Deac converted a penalty, giving the visitors hope. But Sepsi restored their two-goal cushion in the 69th minute. Roland Varga finished off a sweeping counter-attack, and from there the home side managed the game expertly to secure a memorable win.

Key moments

• 14' — Sepsi goal: Cosmin Matei opened the scoring with a low strike into the corner.
• 41' — Sepsi double the lead: Marius Ștefănescu punished a loose pass inside the box.
• 57' — CFR Cluj penalty: Ciprian Deac converted from the spot to make it 2-1.
• 69' — Sepsi seal it: Roland Varga finished a fast break to restore the two-goal advantage.

Tactical story

Sepsi’s 4-3-3 was aggressive without the ball, with the front three cutting off passes into CFR Cluj’s midfield. That forced the visitors into long balls, which Sepsi’s centre-backs handled well. In possession, Sepsi looked to attack quickly through Matei and Varga, targeting the space behind CFR’s advanced full-backs.

CFR Cluj had more possession but struggled to create clear chances. Their goal came from a penalty, and their best open-play moments arrived after substitutions. Sepsi’s discipline in the final 20 minutes was key: they dropped into a compact shape, slowed the tempo, and protected their lead without panic.

Standout players

Cosmin Matei was the creative heartbeat of Sepsi’s attack, scoring the opener and linking play throughout. Marius Ștefănescu’s energy and pressing caused constant problems, while Roland Varga’s late goal capped a strong all-round display. For CFR Cluj, Ciprian Deac showed leadership, but the team lacked sharpness in the final third.

Season impact

This result boosts Sepsi’s hopes of reaching the Super Liga playoff places and proves they can compete with Romania’s traditional powers. CFR Cluj, meanwhile, lose ground in the title race and will face pressure to respond in their next fixture. In a league where home form is often decisive, Sepsi’s victory over CFR Cluj could prove one of the most important results of their season.