CFR Cluj Edges Past Hermannstadt in Thrilling Romanian Liga I Match

In a closely contested encounter at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu, CFR 1907 Cluj secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AFC Hermannstadt on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The match, which marked the 12th round of the Romanian Liga I, was filled with drama and intensity, as both teams battled for crucial points in the league standings.
Early Action Sets the Tone
The game began with a surprise as Dragoș Albu put Hermannstadt ahead in just the 10th minute, thanks to a well-crafted assist from Jair. This early goal seemed to galvanize CFR Cluj, who found their footing and began to press for an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Louis Munteanu leveled the score, benefiting from a clever pass by Adrian Păun.
As the first half drew to a close, CFR Cluj had gained momentum, but Hermannstadt's defense held firm to maintain the 1-1 scoreline at halftime. The visitors, however, suffered a setback when Albu was booked for a foul in the 31st minute, which added to their defensive woes.
Second Half Intensity
The second half saw CFR Cluj continue their aggressive approach, and their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute. Lindon Emërllahu scored the decisive goal, shifting the momentum irreversibly in favor of the home team. This goal was the culmination of sustained pressure and highlighted CFR Cluj's superior attacking prowess on the day.
As the match entered its final stages, both teams made multiple substitutions to freshen up their lineups. For Hermannstadt, Marko Gjorgjievski and Jair were among those replaced, while CFR Cluj brought on new faces like David Djoković and Vladimir Kun to maintain their energy levels.
Discipline Issues for Hermannstadt
Hermannstadt's frustration was evident as three of their players—Dragoș Albu in the first half, and Cristian Neguț and Tiberiu Căpuşă in stoppage time—received yellow cards. These bookings, particularly in the closing minutes, highlighted the visitors' growing desperation as they struggled to find an equalizer.
Implications of the Win
CFR Cluj's victory not only maintains their unbeaten streak against Hermannstadt at home but also boosts their position in the league table. The win is a significant boost for coach Andrea Mandorlini, who saw his tactics pay off against a stubborn Hermannstadt side.
For Hermannstadt, the loss is a setback, but they will draw positives from their early goal and the resilience shown throughout the match. Despite the defeat, coach Marius Constantin Măldărăşanu's team remains competitive, and they will look to bounce back in their upcoming fixtures.
In conclusion, CFR Cluj's victory was a testament to their determination and attacking prowess, while Hermannstadt's performance showed promise despite the final result. The outcome of this match adds to the intrigue of the Romanian Liga I, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting remainder of the season.
For in-depth analysis and highlight reels, fans can turn to popular sports channels like beIN Sports or DAZN, which often provide detailed match breakdowns and expert commentary. However, specific match recap videos from channels with over 50,000 followers are currently unavailable for this match.