FC Bihor Oradea edged out CS Sanatatea Cluj 1-0 in a tightly contested pre-season friendly on 22 July 2026, continuing their preparations for the upcoming campaign. The match, played at a neutral venue as part of the International Club Friendly series, offered both sides valuable minutes ahead of their respective domestic starts.

Match Overview

The game was a measured affair typical of mid-summer friendlies, with both managers using the opportunity to rotate squads and build fitness. FC Bihor Oradea controlled possession in the opening half, while CS Sanatatea Cluj focused on defensive organisation and quick transitions. The deadlock was broken just before the hour mark, when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a composed finish from the home side's forward. Despite late pressure from Sanatatea, Bihor Oradea's backline held firm to secure the narrow victory.

Key Moments

• 58th minute – FC Bihor Oradea's striker latched onto a through ball inside the box, slotting past the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
• 72nd minute – CS Sanatatea Cluj had their best chance, but a close-range header was brilliantly saved by the Bihor Oradea custodian.
• 89th minute – A red card challenge from a Sanatatea defender forced a late reshuffle, but Bihor Oradea managed the closing stages comfortably.

What This Means for Both Sides

For FC Bihor Oradea, the result extends their unbeaten run in pre-season and builds confidence ahead of competitive fixtures. The team showed defensive solidity and the ability to create chances against a disciplined opponent. CS Sanatatea Cluj, meanwhile, will take encouragement from their resilience despite the defeat. The friendly allowed their coaching staff to assess fringe players and experiment with tactical setups. Both sides now turn their attention to the next phase of pre-season preparations, with several more friendlies scheduled before the season opener.