Craiova Clinch Conference League Spot After Penalty Drama
CS Universitatea Craiova will become the fourth Romanian team to compete in European competitions next season.
The club from the Oltenia region secured their place after winning the play-off against Universitatea Cluj and will now participate in the Conference League qualifiers.
The match remained scoreless after regulation time. Neither team managed to find the net until the extra period, where both CSU Craiova and Universitatea Cluj finally got on the scoresheet.
Craiova took the lead through a penalty converted by Lyes Houri. However, their advantage was short-lived as Cluj equalised in the tenth minute of extra time with a penalty of their own, scored by Dan Nistor. The penalty shootout ultimately decided the winner, with CSU Craiova prevailing 5-4.
"We had good chances, played bravely, and controlled possession throughout the match," said Ioan Ovidiu Sabău, coach of U Cluj. "We even had a great opportunity to win it in the 78th minute, but unfortunately, we couldn't capitalise."
"I knew it would be a tough match against Cluj's experienced coach and players," said Constantin Gîlcă, coach of CSU Craiova. "These games can be a real rollercoaster of emotions, and I'm happy that my boys stayed focused throughout."
CSU Craiova will now advance to the second qualifying round of the Conference League.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
