Report by Dr. Talal Osman
Universitatea Craiova crowned themselves 2025–26 Romanian Superliga champions with a stunning 5–0 demolition of FC Universitatea Cluj in what was effectively a one‑round‑early title decider at the Ion Oblemenco Stadium.
Fast start and 2–0 halftime lead
Craiova charged out of the blocks and set the tone inside three minutes, when David Matei ripped the net with a first‑time strike from inside the box to make it 1–0. Assad Al Hamlawi doubled the advantage in the 8th minute, punishing a loose clearance and firing past Universitatea Cluj’s goalkeeper.
The visitors’ task became even harder when Oucasse Mendy saw a second yellow card in the 42nd minute, leaving U Cluj with 10 men for the rest of the match. The home side controlled the rest of the half safely and went to the break 2–0 up, just 45 minutes away from their long‑awaited title.
Hosts blow the game open after the break
Al Hamlawi completed his brace almost immediately after the restart, converting a precise cross in the 48th minute to makes it 3–0. The carnival atmosphere in “Bănie” grew louder as Craiova’s attacking midfielders and wingers repeatedly sliced through the Cluj backline.
Anzor Mekvabishvili further amplified the lead in the 59th minute, calmly finishing after a sustained spell of pressure, and by the 73rd minute Băsceanu sealed the final 5–0 scoreline with a composed strike inside the penalty area.
Tactical dominance and emotional crowd scenes
Filipe Coelho’s 3–4–3 setup gave Craiova numerical superiority in midfield, allowing Mora, Cicâldău, and Anzor to dictate tempo while Matei and Al Hamlawi carved out space on the front line. Cluj, missing creativity after Mendy’s dismissal, could rarely progress beyond halfway.
With the title secured one round early, the final whistles were met with fireworks, choreography, and a full pitch‑invasion as the squad celebrated a historic treble‑like achievement, having also lifted the Romanian Cup after beating U Cluj on penalties at Sibiu days earlier.
Final status and historic significance
The 5–0 win confirmed Universitatea Craiova as undisputed Superliga champions, marking their first national title in 35 years and restoring the club to the summit of Romanian football. The victory also completed a golden weekend for the club, with Craiova now able to prepare for the domestic super cup in serious contention for the double.
