Article by Adrian Duţă – Published Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:10 p.m. / Updated Saturday, April 25, 2026 11:12 p.m.
CFR Cluj – U Cluj 1-0. Cristiano Bergodi, the coach of the guests, commented on the failure in Gruia, from the sixth stage of the Superliga play-off.
The Italian named the main reasons that led to the failure. The first, the fatigue of the players, who also contested the semi-final of the Romanian Cup in the middle of the week, 1-1 in 120 minutes and 5-4 on penalties with Argeș.
The second reason given was the absence of Jovo Lukic, the top scorer of the team and of the Superliga, with 18 goals. The Bosnian was injured during the warm-up.
Cristiano Bergodi, after CFR Cluj – U Cluj 1-0: “We didn't have the best player, that's why we lost”
“Fatigue accumulated in the last 3 matches, we were not reactive. We closed the spaces, but when we had the ball our game was not going. It was a difficult match, they have a well-defined style. It was not easy. It was that penalty, after a lost ball. We move forward without making any tragedy, the championship is being played.
The fatigue fund is the reason, but it's hard without Lukic, he holds onto the ball, helps the team, keeps the ball up. I also tried with Gheorghiță, with Trică, but it is not easy. He is our striker, he finishes the phases. That's the main reason we lost.
It was the third game in a week, it's not easy. We have played 3 matches, we are not Barcelona. It's normal to have problems in the third match, we played without the most important player. He warmed up, felt something and we had to change him from the sheet.
I'm disappointed with the result, but I can't fault the team. They took us to first place, they are in the final of the Cup, what can I say to the players? It was the third game in a week.
We're not looking for alibis, but it's not easy with 3 matches in a week, especially without the top scorer of the championship,” said Bergodi, on Prima Sport 1.
VIDEO with the phase that decided CFR Cluj – U Cluj
Play-off standings
