Cluj edges past Constanta in opening day thriller

FC Universitatea Cluj made a winning start to their Superliga campaign with a 2-1 victory over FCV Farul Constanța on a humid summer evening in Cluj. The home side dominated possession for long stretches and created the better chances throughout, though their visitors showed enough character to keep the contest competitive. Cluj's crowd provided excellent support, creating an atmosphere that pushed the home team forward when they needed it most.

The opening exchanges saw Cluj control the tempo, and their patience was rewarded just before the interval when A. Aliev broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute. That goal shifted the momentum firmly in Cluj's favour, though Farul had little time to respond before the break. Any hopes the visitors harboured of regrouping at half-time were quickly extinguished when M. Drammeh extended Cluj's lead just four minutes into the second half, firing past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 and seemingly putting the match beyond reach.

Farul pulled one back through I. Doicaru in the 54th minute, reigniting belief that a comeback might be possible. The goal sparked the visitors into life and they began pressing forward with greater intensity, forcing Cluj to drop deeper and defend their lead. The closing stages grew heated as tempers frayed, with both sides picking up yellow cards including cautions for A. Chinteș and T. Njiké in the 56th minute, and N. Grigoryan in the 64th minute.

Cluj held firm despite late pressure to secure all three points and kick off their season on the perfect note. Farul's performance showed they will be competitive opponents throughout the campaign, but ultimately fell short of the intensity required to complete a turnaround. Cluj's victory marks a solid foundation as the new season unfolds, though they know stiffer tests lie ahead.