Our men’s Superliga side returns to Cluj-Napoca, this time to face Universitatea Cluj in Round 27 of the regular season. The key question: can we extend our winning run?

Our men’s Superliga side returns to Cluj-Napoca, this time to face Universitatea Cluj in Round 27 of the regular season. The key question: can we extend our winning run?

The team led by Ilyés Róbert is in excellent form. In the current calendar year, including the cup fixture, the record stands at four wins and two defeats from six matches, with the red-and-blacks winning each of their last three games. In Galați they even delivered a goal festival: Eppel Márton scored a hat-trick, while winter signing Wilhelm Loeper netted twice.

It was against the Cluj side that we secured our first-ever Superliga victory: on October 4, in Miercurea Ciuc, we defeated the “students” 2–1 thanks to goals from Szalay and Dolny, in a match where both goalkeepers delivered outstanding performances.

The hosts are also enjoying a strong run: this year they have only lost in the most recent round, 2–3 against city rivals CFR, while winning their other five matches – including cup fixtures. They currently sit sixth, the final play-off qualifying spot.

At the pre-match press conference, our head coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s recent performances:
“It’s clear the team has shown a different face lately. The new arrivals have brought positive energy and we look much better. We want to continue this run and I hope we can prove it in the next match. We know it won’t be easy, as Cluj are fighting for a play-off spot as well, so it’s a crucial game for them too. We managed to rest five or six players this week, so we’ll be fresh. Since their coaching change, they’ve become more stable, they have a strong squad and play attractive possession-based football. We’ve analyzed them and we’ll do everything we can to return home with points.”

Midfielder Kleinheisler László, who recently joined the squad, started and debuted with a cup win against Liești:
“I’ve felt great from the very first moment I arrived. The boys welcomed me incredibly well and I’m happy to have joined such a team. The schedule is tight, but we’re professionals and we can recover properly. We’re well prepared and we know our job. If we play like in the previous matches, I’m sure we’ll achieve a good result.”

After four years, Palmeș Raul wore the captain’s armband again in Galați:
“I was proud to be captain again. The recent matches have given us great confidence, the atmosphere in the dressing room is excellent. We’re going to Cluj for points.”

The match of Round 27 in the Superliga regular season will kick off on Saturday at 7:00 PM at Cluj Arena and will be broadcast live on Digisport 1 and Prima Sport 1.

Rédai Attila