CFR Cluj qualified for the play-offs of the Football Super League on Saturday evening, joining Craiova University, Dinamo, Rapid and Cluj University, after achieving its tenth consecutive victory in the championship, 2-1 with Farul.
The miracle accomplished under the command of Daniel Pancu – CFR Cluj was credited in the middle of the season with a 5% chance to catch the elite group – but it came with a big controversy: the Transylvanians were forgiven by a penalty in the 90th+2nd minute. Huja pulled the shirt of an opponent in the box, the referee had no reaction, the VAR did not intervene, so the referees ticked off a record of 10 consecutive victories in the Superliga.
The Cluj players showed pragmatism at Ovidiu, scoring in the first half through Alibek Aliev (16), after a pass from Andrei Cordea, and through Gustavo Marins (27), who deflected Karlo Muhar’s cross into his own goal. Farul dominated the game, but only managed to score once, through Alexandru Işfan (65). The Constantinians claimed another penalty, apart from the one in extra time, but this time the referee overlooked a foul by the Transylvanians in their own box.
Gică Popescu threatens to withdraw the team
Universitatea Craiova, Dinamo, Rapid, Universitatea Cluj and CFR are sure of access to the play-off, remaining a safe one available for them, which FC Argeș, FCSB and UTA are fighting for. The situation will most likely be on Sunday, when the Aradians receive the visit of the champions (9:00 p.m.), and the Pitesti side face Dinamo (6:00 p.m.).
“If something like this ever happens again, I will remove the team from the field, without discussion. We are at the end of our patience after the matches in Pitesti and today’s. How much more can we endure? This is bad intention”, thundered the president of the “sailors”, Gică Popescu
Farul – CFR Cluj 1-2 (0-2)
Hagi Academy – Central Stadium – Ovidiu
They scored: Işfan (65)/ Alibek (16), Gustavo Marins (own goal, 27).
