Match Overview

The 2026 Romanian Super Cup delivered a gripping contest as CS Universitatea Craiova and FC Universitatea Cluj battled to a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Played at a neutral venue with a kickoff time of 01:30 local time—an unusual slot that added a late-night drama—the match saw both sides leave everything on the pitch. After 90 minutes of fierce rivalry, Craiova held their nerve in the penalty shootout, winning 4-2 to lift the trophy and claim the first silverware of the Romanian season.

Key Moments

• Early Pressure from Craiova: The home side started brightly, pressing high and forcing an early corner. In the 12th minute, a clever short corner routine led to a low cross that was turned home by striker Andrei Ivan, giving Universitatea Craiova a deserved 1-0 lead.
• Cluj’s Equalizer: FC Universitatea Cluj responded with patient build‑up play. Midfielder Ovidiu Bic equalised in the 38th minute with a powerful strike from outside the box that took a slight deflection, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
• Second‑Half Chances: The second half was a tactical chess match. Craiova hit the crossbar through a free kick, and Cluj had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside. Neither side could find a winner in normal time.
• Penalty Drama: With the score 1-1 after 90 minutes, the Super Cup was decided from the spot. Craiova converted all four of their penalties, while Cluj missed twice—once saved by goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu and once blasted over the bar.

Tactical Battle

The match showcased two distinct philosophies. CS Universitatea Craiova, under coach Mirel Rădoi, employed a high‑press 4-3-3, looking to force turnovers high up the pitch and exploit the pace of their wingers. FC Universitatea Cluj, managed by Anton Petrea, favoured a compact 4-2-3-1, absorbing pressure and striking on the counter‑attack. The early goal from Craiova forced Cluj to take more risks, opening space that nearly led to a second for the home side. However, Cluj’s equaliser came from a rare moment of transitional brilliance, highlighting the fine margins in cup finals.

Set pieces were a key battleground. Craiova won nine corners to Cluj’s four, but the visitors defended resolutely. The late‑night kickoff—scheduled at 01:30 to accommodate international broadcast slots and summer heat—reportedly affected the tempo, with both teams showing signs of fatigue in the final 20 minutes.

Standout Players

• Andrei Ivan (CS Universitatea Craiova): The experienced forward scored the opener and led the line tirelessly. His movement off the ball created several half‑chances for teammates.
• Laurențiu Popescu (CS Universitatea Craiova): The goalkeeper made four saves during the match, including a crucial stop in the 72nd minute, and then emerged as the hero in the shootout with one save.
• Ovidiu Bic (FC Universitatea Cluj): The driving force in midfield, Bic scored the equaliser and completed 87% of his passes, orchestrating Cluj’s best attacking phases.

Conclusion

The 2026 Romanian Super Cup will be remembered as a tense, high‑quality affair between two of the country’s most historic clubs. For CS Universitatea Craiova, the victory marks their third Super Cup title and provides early‑season momentum. For FC Universitatea Cluj, the narrow defeat offered a glimpse of their potential in the upcoming league campaign. With the domestic season now truly underway, both sides will take valuable lessons from this late‑night classic.