U Cluj and Brann Bergen played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the UEFA Conference League. The match shifted dramatically in the final minutes after initially favoring the visitors.
After making four substitutions an hour into the match, U Cluj’s head coach Cristiano Bergodi saw his team’s fortunes change. The adjustments, combined with Brann’s tactical changes that removed their most dangerous players, allowed U Cluj to fight back in the last ten minutes.
Lukic opened the scoring for U Cluj, marking their first goal in European competitions this season, followed swiftly by Pinho’s contribution. A near-miss from Ștefănescu in stoppage time, with a sensational lob that hit the crossbar, could have sealed a fairytale ending.
U Cluj Player Ratings
Neofytos (6) * Had little chance against the Nordic side’s well-placed shots.
Mikanovic (4) * Struggled defensively and lost sight of Castro during the opening goal.
I. Cristea (5) * Showed some resilience despite shaky moments.
Codrea (5) * Caught out of position for both goals but recovered to assist in the comeback.
Chipciu (6) * Played a crucial role in rallying the team.
Nistor (4) * Largely ineffective throughout the match.
Bic (5) * Improved in the latter half but was inconsistent.
Drammeh (4) * Failed to contribute significantly.
Stanojev (4) * Did not support the defense adequately.
Aliev (5) * Rarely involved and missed a significant opportunity.
Ștefănescu (6) * Provided a strong assist to Aliev and was close to scoring in stoppage time.
Coach Cristiano Bergodi (7) * Made pivotal changes that shifted the momentum of the game.
Pinho (8) * Entered and immediately impacted the game positively.
Macalou (6) * Took time to settle but showed quality as the match progressed.
Friday (6) * Brought fresh unpredictability to the offense.
Lukic (8) * Transformed the team’s performance with a crucial header.
Brann Bergen Player Ratings
Dyngeland (5) * Had little to do until a critical error in the closing minutes.
De Roeve (6) * Contributed well offensively, assisting the opening goal.
Pallesen (4) * Lacked impact towards the end of the match.
Pedersen (4) * Did not respond well in critical moments.
Soltvedt (4) * Failed to maintain his earlier performance.
Ingason (6) * Strong presence until his substitution affected the team’s stability.
Wassberg (6) * Solid performance until fatigue set in.
Myhre (8) * A standout performer with a goal and several key passes.
Mathisen (8) * Instrumental in the second goal with an impressive assist.
Holm (6) * Actively contributed to the attack.
Castro (7) * Constantly pressured U Cluj’s defense and scored one goal.
Coach Eirik Horneland (6) * Made questionable substitutions, underestimating U Cluj’s potential to comeback.
Magnusson (4) * Did not make an impact after coming off the bench.
Torsvik (4) * Underperformed compared to De Roeve.
Gudmundsson (5) * Minimal contribution in his time on the field.
Finne, M. Haaland * Substituted late without significant impact.
Referee Henrik Nalbandyan (6) * Generally officiated well, though some decisions were questionable.
