English
Clash in Cluj-Napoca Ends with Home Victory in Added Time
Cluj-Napoca, July 31, 2025 – The Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu was the stage for a tense and dramatic match between CFR 1907 Cluj and FC Lugano, corresponding to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The match, refereed by Allard Lindhout (Netherlands), unfolded under an atmosphere of great intensity from the beginning.
The first half was characterized by a contested game in midfield, with both teams seeking to impose their rhythm. FC Lugano suffered a setback in the 27th minute with a yellow card for E. Alioski.
The second half continued with the same tone. FC Lugano had a goal disallowed for K. Behrens in the 50th minute for handball and, subsequently, another for offside in the 68th minute, decisions that generated controversy and frustration on the visiting bench. The tension increased with a series of yellow cards for both teams: K. Behrens (72′) and M. Bottani (81′) on the FC Lugano side, and B. Nkololo (90′) for CFR Cluj. L. Mai was also cautioned for Lugano in the 90th minute.
Just when it seemed the match was heading for extra time without goals, S. Sinyan unleashed euphoria in the local stands by scoring in the 96th minute, assisted by M. Korenica. CFR Cluj also picked up additional yellow cards for M. Ilie at the 98 minute mark, and A. Bosec and A. Abeid later in the match.
Despite FC Lugano’s final efforts, they failed to equalize, conceding victory to CFR 1907 Cluj in a match that extended to the 120th minute and was marked by controversial refereeing and constant struggle. The tie remains open heading into the return leg. Both teams accumulated 4 yellow cards with no expulsions.
Substitutions cfr 1907 cluj: at minute 46 V. Postolachi came in and A. Paun went out., at minute 82 A. Fica came in and L. Bolgado went out., at minute 111 L. Munteanu came in and M. Gjorgjievski went out., at minute 111 B. Nkololo came in and A. Abeid went out., at minute 118 M. Korenica came in and E. Mensah went out.
Substitutions fc lugano: at minute 66 G. Koutsias came in and M. Bottani went out., at minute 80 D. Dos Santos came in and M. Belhadj went out., at minute 91 A. Grgic came in and O. Doumbia went out., at minute 106 L. Mai came in and A. Duville-Parsemain went out., at minute 111 M. Zanotti came in and Y. Cimignani went out., at minute 111 E. Alioski came in and D. Kelvin went out.
The teams lined up as follows:
CFR 1907 Cluj
Titulares:
FC Lugano
Titulares:
class=”wg_loader”>
