“You know what I would like in the last step?” » They drew conclusions live, after the first play-off matches

Ashley Davis17/03/2026

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Article by Maria Olteanu – Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 07:52 / Updated on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 08:02

The former Romanian internationals, Marius Lăcătuș (61 years old) and Gabi Balint, analyzed on Monday evening, after U Cluj – CFR Cluj 3-2, in the first stage of the play-offs, the matches of the inaugural round and the chances of the fight for the title, in the context of which the ranking has changed.

Even though they lost at home against FC Argeș and fell to third place, Craiova is still seen by Lăcătuș as the team with the best chance of winning the title.

“I think that in the end, I hope I don't take any chances, but also because of the lot, the main favorite would be the University of Craiova”said the former great striker of Stella, on the show “Digi Sport Special”.

35 yearsthey passed from the last championship title won by the University of Craiova

Gabi Balint: “Three teams in the fight for the title in the last stage”

Next, present in the studio, Gabi Balint also analyzed the fight in the Superliga and said what exactly he would like to happen in stage #10 of the play-off: three teams with mathematical chances to access the trophy.

“In the event that Craiova limped badly throughout this stage, U Cluj and CFR Cluj remain the fittest teams, for now. We'll see.

Dinamo is not clear lately. It's far from what it used to be. Fast, small steps, long life, you know? Exactly Gâlcă's style. Quiet. This is how I see Rapid, so easy-easy, 3 points each.

You know what I would like in the last step? Three teams in the fight for the title. That would be awesome. Three to have a shot at the title. Let's see if Craiova recovers in the next match.

Now it remains to be seen what will happen at CFR. A failure comes after so many victories, you can have a mental breakdown. This play-off is beautiful. A lot will happen. Pitesti will not be like other teams last season. He can confuse many on the way to the title”, added Gabi Balint.