Article by Eduard Apostol – Published Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:09 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:09 p.m.
Alexandru Boiciuc, 28 years oldthe striker who decisively contributed to U's promotion to the Super League 4 years ago in the play-off double with Dinamo (2-0, 1-1), predicts that Transylvania can win the Romanian Cup tonight, and then the championship. He explained why to Gazeta Sporturilur.
Tonight is the final of the Romanian Cup in Sibiu, from 20:30, between U Cluj and Craiova University. The first of two terrible clashes between the best teams of the season on Sunday, being the championship duel. Where the Oltenians have a point advantage over the “Red Caps”.
Why U Cluj would have the strength to win the event in 2026: “The very united group, the elaborate game and much less pressure than in Craiova”
It will be a full stadium tonight in Sibiu, and the Juves will face the Transylvanians in the stands as well. Before this electrifying match, Alexandru Boiciuc, 28 years old, the former striker of Cluj, explained to Gazeta Sporturilor why he thinks that U can provide a huge surprise.
The current top of FC Bihor has played an important role in the recent history of the black and whites. He scored the second goal at Cluj Arena, in May 2022, in the play-off match with Dinamo Bucharest. After 2-0 on the bank of the Someș, the Transylvanians drew, 1-1, in Ștefan cel Mare and returned to the first division, relegating the “dogs”.
Alex Boiciuc after scoring in the “dogs” goal 4 years ago
Now, the Moldovan striker believes that U Cluj can go to the top level. To win the Romanian Cup tonight and fight with great chances to win the championship.
“From my football point of view, U Cluj would have the opportunity to win one of the two trophies at stake, if not both. Now, it is very important how he is physically in both matches. And mentally, how much strength he has.
U performs at the highest level. The trump card? The tight-knit group and elaborate play of the entire season. If all the players are focused, they will win tonight. Craiova will have very difficult matches with U Cluj. The greater pressure is on the University of Craiova. Pressure from the fans, the management, year after year there, up there, but without winning the championship.
At U Cluj there is more pleasure. The objective is the play-offs and a place in Europe. They ticked both off without much hassle. Getting here, it's an added incentive to win the trophy, the trophies.
U's players are capable of giving their lives on the field and having an extraordinary season,” Boiciuc told GSP.ro.
38of matches, Boiciuc collected 8 goals and 3 assists for U Cluj
The attackers stand out one after the other in U Cluj's offensive. The examples of Alexandru Boiciuc
Alex Boiciuc mentioned a detail that shows the strength and unity of the team from Transylvania.
“Impressed, more from Cluj can do it. U found this balance between a strong, well-organized defense, with an experienced, pragmatic and decisive midfielder, having a casual attack line, with Macalou, with Mendy winning many duels, one on one, bringing the ball into the box where Lukic makes the difference and is the championship scorer.
It is extraordinary that after scoring only two goals in Craiova, he came to U Cluj and immediately became a goalscorer. He also returned to the national team of Bosnia, he is at the World Cup.
To achieve something like this shows how united the team is. Because the team brings useful balloons in front of you, it makes you stand out with goals. And you see that last year, U Cluj also made Blanuță an even better striker. To whom Dynamo Kyiv transferred. And before that it was Ianis Stoica. Everyone who was at U did a good job”, the Moldovan also said.
