CFR Cluj also failed to win at the Miercurea Ciuc Municipal Stadium. In the rescheduled Round 5 match, FK Csíkszereda secured another draw, extending their unbeaten run in the top flight.
CFR Cluj also failed to win at the Miercurea Ciuc Municipal Stadium. In the rescheduled Round 5 match, FK Csíkszereda secured another draw, extending their unbeaten run in the top flight.
Ilyés Róbert’s men remain undefeated for the sixth consecutive league game, following a dramatic and thrilling encounter that saw them snatch a point in the dying moments.
The visitors started stronger, with Sinyan and Munteanu missing two golden chances early on, both denied by brilliant saves from Pap. In the 19th minute, after a mistake by Celić, Munteanu set up Cordea, who scored from six meters out – 0–1. Following a few attacking flashes from Anderson and Cordea, in the 34th minute Pászka delivered a perfect free-kick from the right, met by Eppel’s precise header for his first FK goal: 1–1! VAR checked the situation for five minutes, though the replay showed nothing remotely controversial.
Early in the second half, Mandorlini made a triple substitution, later introducing Slimani, who scored practically with his first touch, converting a serve from fellow substitute Emerlajhu: 1–2. FK didn’t collapse, pushing for an equalizer through Végh and Pászka. Slimani again went one-on-one with Pap but was stopped by the home goalkeeper. In the 84th minute, a left-side cross was fumbled by Hindrich, the ball eventually fell to Hegedűs who tapped into the empty net – but referee Gaman blew for a foul on the keeper, even though Eppel hadn’t challenged him. He even whistled before the ball crossed the line, preventing VAR from reviewing the play.
Still, CFR couldn’t hold on: in stoppage time, substitute Bakos was brought down in the box. Initially, Gaman waved play on, but after a VAR review, he awarded a penalty. Pászka stepped up and coolly converted with a panenka down the middle – his first goal for FK.
The packed stands erupted, and after ten minutes of added time, Gaman finally blew the whistle, sealing a draw that felt like a victory. Despite the near-freezing temperature, the home crowd – led by the ever-passionate Lokálpatrióták fan group – celebrated long with the players.
At the post-match press conference, head coach Ilyés Róbert acknowledged CFR’s superiority: “Considering their squad depth and experience, this point is a valuable result for us. We knew they would control possession, so we focused on defending. Still, I think the fans saw an entertaining, action-filled game. I’m proud of the boys for staying disciplined and not losing.”
There won’t be much time to rest, as FK’s next Superliga fixture is on Monday at 18:00 away to Hermannstadt in Sibiu.
Superliga, Regular Season, Round 5
Miercurea Ciuc Municipal Stadium – 2,150 spectators
FK Csíkszereda – CFR Cluj 2–2 (1–1)
Referees: George Cătălin Gaman, Alexandru Filip, Daniel Mitruti. Fourth official: Sorin Costreie. VAR: Claudiu Marcu. AVAR: Lucian Claudiu Rusandu.
Goals: Eppel (34), Pászka (90+8, pen) / Cordea (17), Slimani.
Yellow cards: Bakos (90+3), Végh (90+3) / Malico (90), Ilie (90+3), Munteanu (90+6).
FK Csíkszereda: Pap – Pászka, Celić, Hegedűs, Ferenczi – Végh, Veres (Dusinszki 82), Anderson, Bödő (Bakos 64), Szalay (Jebari 64), Eppel.
Head coach: Ilyés Róbert.
CFR Cluj: Hindrich – Malico, Ilie, Sinyan, Coco, Keita, Đoković (Slimani 69), Păun (Emerlajhu 52), Cordea (Koreniça 52), Șfait (Biliboc 52), Munteanu.
Head coach: Andrea Mandorlini.
Text: Attila Rédai
Photo: Zoltán Pál