ACS CIL Blaj edged past CS Sanatatea Cluj 1-0 in a tense Romanian Cup encounter, booking their place in the next round thanks to a solitary goal and a resolute defensive display.

Match overview

On a night when chances were at a premium, Blaj made the breakthrough and then protected their lead with discipline. Sanatatea Cluj enjoyed long spells of possession but found the home defence in stubborn form, with the final ball repeatedly falling short.

Key moment

The defining moment arrived in the second half when Blaj capitalised on a defensive mistake. A sharp press forced the visitors into a hurried clearance, and the home forward kept his composure to slot past the keeper. It was the kind of goal that cup ties are built on—scrappy, but priceless.

Defensive masterclass

Blaj's organisation was the headline of the match. Every second ball was contested, every cross was dealt with, and the goalkeeper had a relatively quiet evening except for one or two smart saves. Sanatatea Cluj pushed hard in the final ten minutes, but the home side held on to claim a well-earned clean sheet.

Next round

The 1-0 victory keeps ACS CIL Blaj's cup run alive and will give the squad real confidence for the domestic campaign. For CS Sanatatea Cluj, there is the frustration of a tight defeat, but their performance suggested they were not far away from progressing.