In a tough battle, Goran Kopunovic’s side came out on top against the “students” in a match where we largely controlled possession and, based on the chances created, could have secured an even more convincing win.

The visitors were more dangerous early on, and following a sharp cross Antonucci produced a brilliant save, signaling a difficult match ahead. Gradually, however, we took control, and although for a long time we only created smaller chances – including a free kick and a big miss by Noveli after Rónai’s assist – the breakthrough came before halftime. In the 40th minute, Tóth-Pál Előd went on an individual run; his shot wasn’t perfect, but taking advantage of the goalkeeper’s mistake, the ball found the net (1–0). Shortly after, we could have doubled the lead, but following an excellent pass from Nyitra, Tóth-Pál shot straight at the keeper from close range.

After the break, we quickly increased our advantage: in the 49th minute, Kárándi Roland finished a run down the right wing with a powerful strike into the far corner (2–0). We remained closer to scoring again, but several promising chances were missed, while defensively we had to stay alert – Antonucci proving reliable on multiple occasions.

In the closing stages, the visitors went all in and, after a handball, were awarded a penalty, converted by Vaida (2–1). In the final minutes, we had chances to seal the game – Nyitra and later Antal Hunor both came close – but the score remained unchanged. The ending was tense, highlighted by a red card for the Cluj side.

Youth League, play-off, Round 10
FK Csíkszereda – Universitatea Cluj 2–1 (1–0)
Referees: Moșoiu George Dan, Negură Alexandru Marian, Tunsoiu Marian. Reserve: Cupu Raul George

Scorers: Tóth-Pál Előd (40’), Kárándi Roland (49’), respectively Vaida Răzvan (86’ – penalty)
Yellow cards: Kertész (53’), Iosif (65’), respectively Petran (63’), Nastai Dacian Iosif (head coach – 73’), Vaida (87’), Roman (90+1’, 90+3’)
Red card: Roman (90+3’)

FK Csíkszereda: Antonucci Michele – Nyitra Szabolcs Zsolt, Noveli Luca Antonio, Tóth-Pál Előd, Rónai Róbert, Kárándi Roland, Polgar Denis Cristian, Papp György (capt.), Kertész Márk, Iosif Cristian, Juhos Gábor.
Substitutes: Forgács Csaba (GK), Antal Hunor, Dandé Erik, Kozma Krisztián, Szép Dávid.
Head coach: Goran Kopunovic.

Universitatea Cluj: Iuhos Andrei – Orban Alex Mihai (capt.), Horvat Eneas, Zoicaș David Leonardo, Valda Răzvan Gheorghe, Lăpuște Nicolas Răzvan, Popa Dragoș Mircea, Roman Raul George, Petran Norbert, Roșca Luca Mihai, Moraru Leonard Matei.
Substitutes: Chiorean Mihai Darius (GK), Rovinaru Răzvan Ioan (GK), Bran Sebastian, Ciortea Andrei Cristian, Iuhos Rareș Denis, Lenghel Patrick Ștefan, Mureșan Lourenço Tiago.
Head coach: Nastai Dacian Iosif.

Other results: FC Argeș – FC Bacău 0–2, Farul Constanța – Rapid 2–2, UTA Arad – FCSB 1–2.
Standings: 1. Farul 37 points, 2. FCSB 31, 3. FK Csíkszereda 30, 4. Universitatea Cluj 30, 5. Rapid 25, 6. FC Argeș 22, 7. Bacău 21, 8. UTA 18.

Attila Rédai
Photo: Zoltán Pál