Article by Eduard Apostol – Published Saturday, 02 May 2026 23:04 / Updated Saturday, 02 May 2026 23:30
Alex Chipciu, 37 years old in two weeks, scored the penalty that made the difference in U Cluj – FC Arges (1-0). But Andrei Coubiș, 22, was also masterful. Here are the GSP notes!
U Cluj – FC Argeș, score 1-0, with a decisive goal in the 90th minute. A victory for the “Red Caps” who played from the 46th minute onwards, a success as much as a championship signed by the “classics” Chipciu and Nistor. But they were not the only ones on the field.
While it was difficult, those in Cristiano Bergodi's defense tried to overcome their defensive condition and also produced phases for the attack. U Cluj faltered, but did not give in and won.
Chipciu showed his class, while Borța – a player trained at Craiova University! – made the biggest mistake of the match, even though he wasn't playing bad at all up to that point.
U Cluj: Attack until they score! And the fight for the title continues
– Gertmonas (note 6) * Balance factor. He didn't have much chance, however, Argesul didn't have a shot on goal.
– Mikanovic (grade 6) * In addition to the defensive play, which was good, the offensive contribution of the right back was impressive. Initiated dangerous moves with quality crosses and passes.
– Capradossi (note 7) * Very good defensively for U, with one phase where he looked outstanding. He also created danger at set-pieces, a commendable development.
– Coubiș (grade 8) * He has strength, he does!, but he also knows how to put the ball at his feet, don't bite him! Safest player on the field in the first half, best player of the match until the 90th minute. Although, the sins of age, he still thinks he is much better than he is.
– Chipciu (grade 8) * A leader, he didn't lose his nature in a difficult way, only that Mendy, his colleague on the left, was not in the best evening. When everyone from U Cluj saw how the title of champion passed before their eyes, he built the phase from which the penalty that brought the victory came out.
– Bic (note 5) * Too nervous and too ineffective.
– Nistor (note 7) * Killer instinct! He was very useful until the penalty phase, then he was cold-blooded and already the match is history. And U Cluj remains in the fight for the title.
– Drammeh (note 6) * OK. He also had better matches.
– Stanojev (note 6) * He ran a lot, but was indiscreet in key moments. He didn't have that lucidity that he showed on other occasions.
– A. T-shirt (note 5) * Modesto! He cannot shoulder the responsibility of attacking a title contender. He won many aerial duels, but did not produce for a team looking for victory.
– Mendy (grade 5) * It wasn't his evening. He got lost in the details.
Coach Cristiano Bergodi (grade 6) * He was saved by the “heavies” of the team, and U Cluj played only one half. Right, the second that counts. Also the “dinosaurs” Chipciu and Nistor were decisive, in an incredibly difficult moment.
They played before:
– Macalou (grade 4) * Came on in the 71st minute instead of Stanojev. He wasted a huge opportunity at 0-0, which could have cost U Cluj in the fight for the title.
– El Sawy * Entered in the 82nd minute instead of Trică.
– Postolachi * Entered in the 82nd minute instead of Drammeh
– M. Silva * Entered the 90th and 4th minute in place of Chipciu.
– Codrea * Entered the 90th and 4th minute instead of Mendy.
FC Argeș: Reduta fell in the 90th minute
– Cable car (note 6) * He defended, he also had assists, in the penalty phase it is also a hazard.
– Oancea (note 6) * He played with personality against black and white, against former teammates.
– Sadriu (grade 7) * The Kosovar was a thorn in the side of U.'s forwards. Very hurt by the defeat.
– Tudose (note 5) * The young Argeș captain had a flawless first half. After which it was more difficult to cope with the opposing attacks. And it ended poorly.
– Borța (grade 3) * Extremely useful in borderline two-phase. After that came the penalty phase, in which he was completely fooled, like in the school yard.
– Duck (grade 6) * Useful to the team.
– Sierra (grade 6) * He has the fabric of a footballer.
– Radescu (grade 5) * He worked as much as he could, but he had a hard life at Cluj Arena.
– Matos (grade 4) * A shadow of Argeș's most dangerous footballer this season.
– Brobbey (note 5) * Left alone many times, without the benefit of useful balloons, lost in an unequal battle with opponents.
– Bettaieb (note 4) * Marked by the penalty shootout miss in the semi-finals of the Cup, he managed nothing against his former team.
Coach Bogdan Andone (grade 6) * As much as he could, he kept the pace of the match. He was minutes away from a major surprise. He kept changing, modifying, but a phase in the 90th minute made the difference.
They played before:
– Tofan (grade 5) * Entered in the 58th minute instead of Bettaieb.
– Seto * Came on in the 77th minute instead of Radescu.
– Y. Pîrvu * Entered in the 77th minute instead of Brobbey
– Manole * Came on in the 86th minute instead of Matos.
Referee
Marian Barbu (note 6) * No mistake, the only thing that can be imputed to him is that at the time of the execution of the penalty, El Sawy, at least he, was much inside the box.
ASSISTANT
Mircea Grigoriu (note 6) * OK, but he was fooled in one phase right in front of his own eyes, in touch, with Chipciu and Sadriu in the foreground.
Imre Bucsi (grade 7) * Good.
