Slatina vs CFR 1907 Cluj Match Recap - Oct 28, 2025

In a commanding display of football prowess, CFR 1907 Cluj dismantled Slatina 4-0 in the opening round of the Cupa României at May 1 Stadium on October 28, 2025. This result not only showcased Cluj's attacking dominance but also highlighted Slatina's struggles in a season marked by inconsistency.

From the onset, CFR 1907 Cluj, fresh off a pair of disappointing Liga I losses, was eager to rebound. The visitors found their rhythm early, with Meriton Korenica opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. His strike set the stage for an impressive first half, as Muhammed Badamosi extended the lead just 12 minutes later with his own goal, giving Cluj a comfortable 2-0 advantage going into halftime.

Slatina, who had shown flashes of improvement in their previous matches, entered this contest following a rollercoaster stretch that featured mixed results. Despite their recent win against Bihor Oradea, the team struggled to maintain momentum and was unable to capitalize on home advantage against a quality opponent like Cluj. Their defense, tested early and often, appeared vulnerable against the relentless Cluj attack.

As the second half unfolded, Adrian Păun added to Slatina's woes with a goal in the 58th minute, pushing the score to 3-0 and leaving the home side in dire straits. Even as Slatina attempted to regain composure, Matei Ilie sealed the match with a fourth goal in the 75th minute, confirming Cluj's dominance and effectively extinguishing any hope of a Slatina comeback.

This result comes at a critical juncture for both sides. CFR 1907 Cluj, after a lackluster spell in Liga I, will take renewed confidence from this emphatic victory as they seek to climb back up the league standings and reignite their season. Conversely, Slatina's defeat extends their streak of poor performances, raising questions about their ability to bounce back in upcoming league fixtures, particularly with a challenging schedule on the horizon.

Both teams now face pivotal moments ahead. With the pressure mounting, Cluj will aim to carry this momentum into their next league matches, while Slatina must regroup and find solutions to their defensive frailties if they hope to secure a more favorable position in the league. The Cupa României may provide a pathway for Cluj to reclaim their status as title contenders, while Slatina will need to dig deep to avoid further decline.