Article by Romeo Ene – Published on Saturday, 07 February 2026, 20:49 / Updated on Saturday, 07 February 2026 20:53
CFR Cluj – U Cluj. An electrifying first half in Gruia! The hosts scored twice in the first 10 minutes (Djokovic 5', Biliboc 10'), but Bergodi's students did not give up the fight and reduced the difference through veteran Dan Nistor, in the 29th minute.
He scored with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, with his left foot, also taking advantage of the disastrous positioning on the goal line of goalkeeper Mihai Popa (25 years old), who arrived from Turin this winter.
VIDEO | Dan Nistor reduced the difference in CFR – U Cluj
How did the phase unfold? It all started from the “students” half. Alexandru Chipciu, the left defender of the guests, went on an impressive run, of tens of meters, until near the box of the “railwaymen”. Djokovic was unable to stop him.
The pass for Nistor followed, who reduced the difference. From the spot, he took over with his right and shot with his left, on the center of the goal, in the only phase in which he stood out in the first half.
Nistor took advantage of the fact that Sheriff Sinyan, the CFR's hitchhiker, avoided the balloon. Popa was misplaced and was defeated, although the balloon could be contained without problems.
It was Dan Nistor's #5 hit of the season.
It is not the first blunder committed by Mihai Popa
On January 30, Mihai Popa, CFR's goalkeeper, committed the first blunder in the vice-champion's shirt. It was happening in a CFR – Metaloglobus 4-2, and the error came in goal #2 of the Bucharesters.
The CFR goalkeeper had to deal with a seemingly trivial situation, when Adrian Șîrbu's shot was sent straight to the goal. Mihai Popa dropped onto the ball, but dropped the ball between his legs, and Metaloglobus took the lead again.
Mihai Popa, without minutes played in Turin
Mihai Popa trained at the Gheorghe Hagi Academy, but did not get to make his senior debut for Farul. He was later transferred to Astra Giurgiu, where he performed for one season, then played for Rapid and FC Voluntari, before the transfer to Italy, to Turin, in 2023.
In 2024, the goalkeeper was loaned for a season to CFR Cluj, and in the summer of 2025 he returned to Turin, a club for which he did not perform in any official match. The definitive return to Gruia took place recently, and the match with Metaloglobus is his 15th match in the CFR jersey.
He made the most appearances for FC Voluntari, 77 in number. According to specialized websites, Mihai Popa is quoted at 500,000 euros.
PHOTO GALLERY. Dream atmosphere at CFR – U Cluj
The up-to-date ranking from the Superliga
