Article by Marius Mărgărit – Published on Saturday, 21 March 2026, 22:59 / Updated on Saturday, 21 March 2026 23:03
On Saturday evening, Mioveniul hosted the first play-off match of the “adopted” FC Argeș, in the dispute with one of the most fit teams in the Superliga, U Cluj, which had just stopped the invincible streak of its fellow citizens from CFR. U Cluj was lucky to prevail, score 1-0with help from Cabuz, who scored in his own goal.
The people of Pitesti defended themselves in an organized fashion, aware that the guests would have possession. Andone's boys preferred to stick to the tactical plan, to block the opponent's attackers, sacrificing offensive valences. Given that, in the first part, Matos was absent, and Bettaieb no longer had inspiration.
As the opponents did not create great opportunities, except for the one in which Lukic played as if for the hosts on the biggest occasion, after the penetration of Macalou. A fighting first half, but no chances, no football.
In the second half, the match went along roughly the same lines. Too strong defenders, uninspired strikers and midfielders, from both sides. And the match was decided by a blunder, a fight by Căbuz, which sent all the points to the new leader, U Cluj.
At the end of a game in which FC Argeș only forced towards the end, when it was decided only with a bar, after a spectacular volley by Oancea.
Scores FC Arges
Cable car – note 3. Without being used by the opponents, he committed a blunder by which his team was defeated
Garutti – note 6. Exactly, no mistakes
M. Tudose – grade 6. Like the linemate and with some attempts, offensively
Sadriu – grade 6. Waste of energy, good defensively
Tofan – grade 7. Inexhaustible, impenetrable.
Duck – grade 6. In the team note, more with defensive duties.
Sierra – grade 5. Unsure at times, missed many passes.
Borța – grade 4. Without offensive accomplishments, he remains co-author of Căbuz's blunder, with that pointless back pass.
Rădescu – note 6. He tried to do both phases, without offensive achievements
Matos – 4. Absent without reason, was not in the game.
Bettaieb – grade 5. He tried, but didn't do much.
Coach: Bogdan Andone – grade 5. He risked too little and was left with nothing
They have also played:
Moldoveanu (46) – grade 6. Perhaps the most active attacker of the hosts
Oancea (73) – grade 6. He had the opportunity to equalize, with a sensational volley, which stopped on the crossbar
Brobbey (87) – played too little to be noted
Micovschi (87) – played too little to be noted
Notes U Cluj
Gertmonas – note 6. He had no emotions except at Oancea's volley
Mikanovic – grades 6. Hard to beat, a fighter
I. Cristea – grade 6. Good, no mistake
Coubiș – note 7. Almost perfectly defensive.
Chinteș – grade 6. He handled his defensive duties well, he was present in the game until the accident
Nistor – grade 5. He failed to tie the game, extremely understated
Bic – note 6. He ran a lot, but had no offensive achievements.
Drammeh – grade 5. Very deleted.
Macalou – grade 5. He started well, but faded away and eventually disappeared from the game.
Lukic – grade 5. He fought a lot with the opponents, without achievements
Mendy – grade 5. More discreet than usual, well kept under control by Tofan.
Coach: Cristiano Bergodi – grade 6. Like his team, he was lucky, although he would have been satisfied with a point
They have also played:
El Sawy (37) – grade 5. Present in the match, but remained offensive
M. Silva (38) – grade 6. He did his job as a quarterback.
Fabry (71) – grade 5. Nothing notable.
Codrea (87) – played too little to be noted
Stanojev (87) – played too little to be noted
Referee: Marcel Bârsan – grade 7. A simple, discreet but firm arbitration.
Assistants: Radu Ghinculeac, Ionuț Neacșu – grade 7. No problems
Play-off standings
