Sănătatea Cluj vs Universitatea Craiova Match Recap - Oct 29, 2025

In a decisive display of skill and determination, Universitatea Craiova triumphed over Sănătatea Cluj with a 4-1 victory in the first round of the Cupa României on October 29, 2025. The match, held at an undisclosed venue, highlighted Craiova's resurgence after a recent streak of disappointing draws in Liga I. This win not only secures their progression in the knockout tournament but also boosts their morale as they look to regain their footing in the league.

As anticipated, Craiova entered the match as favorites, coming off a 0-0 draw against Metaloglobus just a few days prior. The team had struggled to find the net in their last three outings, drawing against FC Noah in the UEFA Europa Conference League and suffering defeats against FCSB and Raków Częstochowa. However, today was a different story. The blue-and-white stripes came out determined to make a statement, feeding off the energy of their active fans and the urgency to turn their recent fortunes around.

The opening minutes saw both teams sizing each other up, with Sănătatea Cluj, fresh off a 1-0 win against Crișul Sântandrei, trying to impose themselves in front of a home crowd. However, it quickly became apparent that Craiova, capitalizing on their superior experience and quality, was taking control. It was in the second half that the floodgates opened for Craiova, beginning with a goal from Nikola Stevanović in the 61st minute. His clinical finish, a product of some intricate build-up play, signaled the start of a scoring spree that Cluj would struggle to contend with.

Just sixteen minutes later, David Matei doubled Craiova's lead with another well-executed shot, this time challenging the Cluj defense to step up their game. The score stood at 2-0, and Cluj, while eager to respond, seemed outmatched. Their resolve waned as Craiova seized the initiative. The final moments of the match belonged to the visitors as they found the net twice more, first by an unknown scorer in the 86th minute and then by Alexandru Cicâldău in the 88th, who capped off an impressive performance with a goal that solidified Craiova's dominance.

Sănătatea Cluj, though they managed to score a consolation goal, found themselves playing catch-up as the match progressed. They entered the match with high hopes after their recent victory but left the field with a stark reminder of the gap between their aspirations and reality. Cluj's last five matches now show a mix of results, and this loss will linger as they prepare to face Gloria Bistrița next in December.

Reflecting on the match preview I had written earlier, it seems my optimistic forecast of fireworks and potential upsets fell short. While I expected a tight contest, Craiova's class shone through, making it clear that they wanted to assert themselves in this cup competition. Cluj's tactical approach, which aimed to hit on the counter-attack, ultimately faltered against the relentless pressure from Craiova.

For Universitatea Craiova, today's victory serves as a crucial turning point. They can now look forward to their next match against Petrolul Ploiesti with newfound confidence, knowing they can perform under pressure. As they advance deeper into the Cupa României, the stakes become higher, but so does the excitement for fans and players alike.

This round of the cup has proven that in football, the only constant is change. With both teams looking to build on this experience, it will be fascinating to see how they adjust moving forward. The underdog narrative is alive and well, but today, it was Craiova's moment to shine on the big stage.