Rapid Suffer Heavy Defeat to CFR Cluj in SuperLigii Play-Off
Rapid’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League have been all but extinguished after a 1-4 defeat to CFR Cluj in the SuperLigii play-off, according to a report by Digi Sport.
The match, which was played on Giulești, was a special one for Cristi Săpunaru, who made his 211th appearance for Rapid and played his last home game for the club. However, it was a nightmare for the home side, with CFR Cluj dominating the game and securing a convincing victory.
The visitors took a 3-0 lead into halftime, thanks to goals from Păun (11th minute), Postolachi (40th minute), and Deac (45+3rd minute). Rapid started the second half with renewed determination, but it was CFR Cluj who scored again, this time through Bolgado (70th minute), following a cross from Deac. Alex Dobre scored a late consolation goal for Rapid in the 90th minute.
The defeat means Rapid are now fifth in the play-off standings with 32 points, while CFR Cluj are second with 42 points. As Digi Sport reports, Rapid’s chances of qualifying for the Europa League are now extremely slim.
In an interview with Digi Sport, Dan Petrescu, CFR Cluj’s manager, revealed that he would not be on the bench for the game due to health issues. “Even if I won’t be with the team for the next two games… I’m struggling a lot, I wish the players would play seriously, not go on vacation. I want to solve my medical problems, to be healthy!” Petrescu said.
The match was a significant one for Săpunaru, who has been a legend at Rapid. He has won a Cupa României and a Supercupă with the club, as well as two internal trophies and eight external trophies with Porto.
In the three league meetings between Rapid and CFR Cluj this season, there have been three draws (2-2, 1-1, 1-1). However, CFR Cluj won their Cupa României group stage match 2-0.
Play-Off Standings:
For those who missed the match, Digi Sport provides a video summary of the game.
In related news, CFR Cluj come into the game on the back of a 3-2 win over Hermannstadt in the Cupa României final, which secured their spot in the UEFA Europa League preliminaries.
The win marked a successful outing for CFR Cluj, who have been in impressive form of late. As Digi Sport notes, Laurențiu Rus will take charge of CFR Cluj in this match, with Petrescu set to undergo medical treatment.
