Despite being seen as underdogs, U Cluj entered the return match against Dinamo Kiev with hopes of overturning the odds after managing a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Lublin. The match ended similarly today, culminating in a defeat during the penalty shootout, with the final score at 2-4.
The game got off to a cautious start, with the first half dominated by the Ukrainians, who continuously pressed U Cluj into a desperate defense. Dinamo Kiev managed to score twice but both goals were ruled offside, while Ponomarenko struck the post.
In the second half, U Cluj improved, creating several opportunities, notably through Drammeh and Chipciu. They almost defied expectations as Dinamo Kiev loosened their grip on the match, leading to extra time, where U Cluj looked more lively, with a significant chance from veteran Chipciu.
However, in the penalty shootout, U Cluj faltered again, marking their third consecutive elimination in such circumstances following the Cup and Super Cup finals.
Player Ratings for U Cluj Players
The visitors executed their penalties flawlessly, while Cordea and Chipciu missed their attempts, causing U Cluj to drop from the Europa League to the Conference League, where they will face SK Brann in the second qualifying round. Here are the player ratings from a match that started sluggishly but showed resilience before ultimately succumbing to penalties:
Neofytos 6 – Had some hesitations but saved everything possible in 120 minutes. Failed to save any penalties.
Stanojev 6 – Expended great energy, defended well, and attempted to assist in attack.
I. Cristea 6 – Strong defensively, handling more skilled opponents effectively.
D. Codrea 5 – Solid defensively but missed the first penalty.
Chipciu 6 – Active and strong defensively, was close to scoring but also missed a penalty.
Pinho 5 – Inconspicuous, primarily supported Bic in defense.
Drammeh 6 – Good at interceptions, contributed offensively, but missed one of the few clear chances.
Ștefănescu 5 – Active in trying to push the team forward but without results.
Bic 6 – High energy in defense but lacked creativity due to fatigue.
Mendy 5 – Lacked presence in the first half, showed some improvement after the break but squandered opportunities.
Macalou 5 – Came alive in the second half with several runs in the opponent’s box, but was too individualistic, often leaving Stanojev unsupported.
Coach: Cristiano Bergodi 6 – Attempted to change the game’s outcome but ultimately failed as his team lost again in the penalty shootout.
Aliev (46) 5 – Battled against Dinamo Kiev’s defense but lacking in achievements.
F. Adams (76) 6 – Made a positive impact, boosting the attack upon entering.
Chinteș (92) 5 – Nothing special but fulfilled his defensive duties.
Nistor (92) 5 – Did not create the expected impact.
Chukwu (113) – Played too briefly.
G. Simion (113) – Played too briefly.
