CFR Cluj produced a commanding away performance to defeat Sepsi OSK Sfantul Gheorghe 3-1 in the Romanian Cup on September 1, 2026, booking their place in the next round with a display of clinical finishing and defensive solidity.

The match pitted two well-established Romanian top-flight sides against each other, but it was Cluj who asserted their authority from the outset. Playing away from home, they controlled the tempo and made their superiority count when it mattered most.

Cluj take control early

CFR Cluj opened the scoring in the first half after a period of sustained pressure. A swift counter-attack caught the Sepsi defence out of position, and the visitors finished calmly to take a deserved lead. The goal settled any early nerves and gave Cluj a platform to build on.

Sepsi responded by pushing more players forward, but their efforts left gaps at the back. Cluj exploited this ruthlessly, doubling their advantage before halftime with a well-placed strike from the edge of the area. The home side had plenty of possession but rarely threatened the Cluj goal, with the visitors’ backline standing firm.

Second-half resilience and a late response

The second half followed a similar pattern. Sepsi tried to force their way back into the contest and managed to pull a goal back, briefly giving the home support hope of a comeback. However, Cluj quickly extinguished that optimism with a third goal, restoring their two-goal cushion and effectively sealing the tie.

Sepsi continued to push in the final minutes, but Cluj’s organised defence and game management ensured there was no way back. The final whistle confirmed a professional 3-1 victory for the visitors.

Standout performers

• CFR Cluj’s forward line: Their movement and finishing were exceptional all night, causing constant problems for the Sepsi backline.
• Sepsi OSK fightback: Despite falling behind, Sepsi kept competing until the end, but their defensive vulnerabilities proved decisive.

Impact on the competition

With this result, CFR Cluj advance to the next round of the Romanian Cup and continue to build momentum across all competitions. Their depth and experience in knockout football make them a serious contender for the trophy this season.

For Sepsi OSK, the loss is a blow, but their primary focus will now shift back to the league campaign. They will take heart from their spirited second-half display but know that defensive lapses at this level are punished. The Romanian Cup, meanwhile, has been reminded of Cluj’s knockout pedigree.