Universitatea Craiova defeated CFR Cluj, with a score of 2-1, away, in the first round of the Super League play-offs.
Despite a very good start to the match, during which they missed four major goal opportunities by Ciprian Deac, Matei Ilie, Bîrligea and Otele couldn’t put the ball in the net, CFR Cluj found themselves trailing against Universitatea Craiova in the 38th minute, following Ștefan Baiaram’s goal.
He scored easily, with his head, from close range, after an excellent diagonal shot by Bancu, parried in front by Răzvan Sava. Baiaram reacted faster than Matei Ilie, outpaced him, and headed the ball into the net from a semi-height position.
Universitatea Craiova also scored first in the second half, in the 51st minute, through Alexandru Mitriță. Launched deep with a long pass, Mitriță managed to outmaneuver Matei Ilie in the box and beat Răzvan Sava with a shot past the CFR goalkeeper.
Unfortunately for CFR, Matei Ilie partially made up for it in the 66th minute, when he scored with his head and reduced the difference for the hosts, after a corner kick with spin executed by Ciprian Deac. In the 87th minute, Matei Ilie was, however, sent off for a harsh foul on Jovan Markovic, whom he stepped on rudely from behind, on the tendon.
Nothing else of note happened, and after seven minutes of stoppage time, CFR Cluj was defeated by Universitatea Craiova in the first round of the Super League season's play-offs.
Following this success, Universitatea Craiova accumulated 28 points and climbed to 2nd place in the play-off standings, five points behind the leader FCSB, who have played one less match. On the other hand, CFR Cluj dropped to 4th place, with only 27 points.