U Cluj Overturn Halftime Deficit to Beat CFR Cluj 3-1 in SuperLiga Thriller

U Cluj secured a significant 3-1 victory over CFR Cluj in a SuperLiga match played on October 8, 2026, overturning a halftime deficit to claim all three points. The win marked a turning point for Cristiano Bergodi’s side, who had trailed 1-0 at the break following an early strike by Stefan Drazic. This result ended a long unbeaten run for the visitors, as it represented CFR Cluj’s first home defeat in nearly a year, with their previous loss having occurred against Farul on October 25, 2025. The triumph allowed U Cluj to climb to fifth place in the league table with 18 points, while CFR Cluj remained in eighth position with 13 points.

The match began with intensity from both sides, but CFR Cluj took the lead in the 12th minute when Stefan Drazic scored, assisted by Andrei Cordea. The early goal was followed by a disruption in play during the 16th minute, when referee Horia Mladinovici paused the match for two minutes due to smoke from flares thrown by U Cluj supporters. Additionally, Drazic taunted U Cluj fans after his goal by picking up a lit torch, adding to the tense atmosphere at the stadium. Despite the hostile environment and the early setback, U Cluj remained composed and looked to adjust their approach before the interval.

Cristiano Bergodi, the main architect of the team's recent form, implemented crucial tactical changes at halftime to shift the momentum. He made three substitutions, bringing on Lukic, Ștefănescu, and Drammeh to inject fresh energy into the squad. These adjustments paid immediate dividends, as U Cluj equalized in the 51st minute through a penalty converted by Macalou. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR reviewed a handball by Viktor Kun, providing the breakthrough needed to level the scoreline. Bergodi later attributed the turnaround to increased determination and the effectiveness of these second-half tactical shifts.

The momentum fully shifted in favor of U Cluj shortly after the equalizer. In the 55th minute, Mendy scored the team’s second goal with a volley, assisted by Lukic, putting the hosts ahead for the first time in the match. Mendy continued to be a threat, later scoring again as a second striker, though reports vary on whether this was a separate event or part of the same sequence; however, GSP confirms the volley assist from Lukic for the second goal. Macalou then sealed the victory in the 71st minute with another goal, ending his scoreless start to the season and completing the comeback. The performance highlighted U Cluj’s tendency to dominate in the latter stages of games, with 13 of their 17 goals this season coming in the second half.

Beyond the pitch, attention focused on the status of Jovo Lukic, whose involvement in the match raised questions about his future at the club. Lukic had been absent since the summer and did not train with the team for two weeks prior to the match against CFR. Despite this lack of preparation, he returned to play and provided a key assist for Mendy’s goal. Coach Bergodi noted that Lukic had been close to leaving in the summer, stating he was only two hours away from a transfer, and expressed conviction that the player would leave U Cluj in the winter window. Nevertheless, Lukic’s contribution on the field underscored his importance to the current squad structure.

Bergodi, who has been associated with U Cluj for 20 years, reflected on the significance of the victory within the context of the team’s recent trajectory. He pointed out three positive results in the period leading up to this match, signaling a stabilization in performance levels. The coach emphasized the collective effort and resilience shown by the players, particularly in overcoming the early deficit and the disruptive elements of the match. As U Cluj looks ahead, they face Rapid next, a fixture Bergodi described as one of the most challenging in the championship, requiring the same level of focus and determination displayed against CFR Cluj.