Report By Dr Talal osman
Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026 Venue: Municipal Stadium, Sibiu Attendance: 11,736 spectators Referee: Marian Barbu translate to arbaic Starting Lineups FC Universitatea Cluj (Coach: Cristiano Bergodi) GK: 30. Edvinas Gertmonas DEF: 24. Dino Mikanović, 4. Andrei Coubiș, 6. Iulian Cristea, 27. Alexandru Chipciu (C) MID: 7. Mouhamadou Drammeh, 94. Ovidiu Bic, 10. Dan Nistor FWD: 19. Issouf Macalou, 17. Jovo Lukić, 88. Omar El Sawy Universitatea Craiova (Coach: Filipe Coelho) GK: 21. Laurențiu Popescu DEF: 3. Oleksandr Romanchuk, 24. Nikola Stevanović, 6. Vladimir Screciu, 11. Nicușor Bancu (C) MID: 17. Carlos Mora, 8. Tudor Băluță, 20. Alexandru Cicâldău FWD: 29. Luca Băsceanu, 12. Monday Etim, 10. Ștefan Baiaram Match Summary The Romanian Cup final between the two "university" teams Universitatea Cluj and Universitatea Craiova was a tense, tactical affair that ended goalless after 120 minutes of football, ultimately being decided by the lottery of penalty kicks. First Half: Both teams started cautiously in an electric atmosphere at Sibiu's Municipal Stadium. Craiova created the first real chance when Luca Băsceanu delivered a cross from the right flank, finding Ștefan Baiaram whose header went just wide of the target. U Cluj responded with Issouf Macalou getting into a dangerous position, but his shot was blocked by Nicușor Bancu. The most dramatic moment of the first half came around the midway point when a long ball sent Macalou through on goal. The Ivorian striker dribbled past goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu and scored, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Second Half & Extra Time: The match remained tight and tense throughout, with both defenses holding firm. Despite the attacking talent on display, neither side could find the breakthrough in regular time or the additional 30 minutes of extra time. Penalty Shootout The Cup was decided from the penalty spot, with Universitatea Craiova emerging victorious 6-5. Hero of the Shootout: Goalkeeper Laurențiu Popescu saved the crucial penalty from Iulian Cristea, proving to be the difference between the two sides. Popescu's save allowed Craiova to convert their next kick and claim the trophy. Result Universitatea Craiova wins the Cupa României Betano 2025/2026! This marks another major trophy for the Oltenia club, adding to their rich history in Romanian football. For U Cluj, it was a heartbreaking defeat in a final that could have gone either way.
