2014-11-09 18:01:01

Universitatea Cluj faced Petrolul Ploiești at home in a match in the 14th round of Liga 1 that ended in 3-0 win for the away side.

To the surprise of everyone at the match, Niculescu replaced Veselovsky in goal in the starting eleven after the Slovakian picked up an injury during practice on matchday. The fans prepared a tifo for the match to celebrate "U"'s 95th birthday that read "The champion of unbridled emotions / has brightened our lives for generations with the most beautiful moments."

After Pecanha made a comfortable save from Škvorc's effort in the 2nd minute, the away side responded in the 8th minute through Astafei, who forced a save out of Niculescu. Gravenberch recovered a ball near Petrolul's box, but his shot from 13 meters out was held by the away side's goalie. Petrolul broke through in the 36th minute as Tamuz's shot from 25 meters out curled past Niculescu and into the net. Alcenat doubled the away side's lead in first half stoppage time with a powerful shot that went into the roof of the net. 

Ogăraru's players tried to mount a comeback in the second half, but only the away side managed to score as Albin's shot to the far post beat Niculescu in the 70th minute. The home side didn't go without its chances as Mengolo had a shot that went into the side netting and another that hit the post, Ninu had a header that was saved by Pecanha, and Gravenberch had a shot that was held by the same Pecanha. The final whistle from Balaj sealed "U"'s 3rd home defeat this season. 

We've posted pictures taken by Ármán Noémi and Cristi Cosma at the match in the "Photo" section.

Next round, Universitatea Cluj will play away to Astra Giurgiu on  Saturday, November 22nd at 15:30.

FC Universitatea Cluj – FC Petrolul Ploieşti 0–3 (0-2)

Goalscorers: --- / Tamuz (36’); Alcenat (45+1’); Albin (70’)

Yellow Cards: Lungu (60’); Ciupe (78’); Ninu (80’) / Tamuz (48’); Astafei (50’)

„U” Cluj: Niculescu - Ciupe; Škvorc; Ninu; Muşat - Bucşa (46’ Mengolo); Costin - Lungu (81’ Viveiros); Ceppelini (46’ Paulinho); Gravenberch - Lemnaru. Manager: George Ogăraru; Alfons Groenendijk

Petrolul Ploieşti: Pecanha - Alcenat; Alves; Ipsa; Satli – Nadad (31’ Priso); de Lucas; Filip – Astafei (73’ Mustivar); Albin; Tamuz (86’ Nkoyi). Manager: Gheorghe Mulţescu 

Referees: C. Balaj (Baia Mare); C. Danşa (Oradea); I. Timar (Marghita)

Stadium: Dr. Mircea Luca

Violeta Merie