CS Sanatatea Cluj 2 – 2 Unirea Alba Iulia
Romanian Cup | 5 August 2026, 22:30

CS Sanatatea Cluj and Unirea Alba Iulia played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in their Romanian Cup meeting on 5 August 2026, a result that left both sides with everything to play for in the remainder of the contest. The match swung from one end of the pitch to the other, providing an entertaining spectacle for the neutral and a tense night for both sets of supporters.

Match overview

The encounter began at a lively tempo, with both teams showing a willingness to commit numbers forward. Unirea Alba Iulia struck first, punishing a lapse in concentration in the home defence with a well-taken opener. CS Sanatatea Cluj responded positively and were level before the interval, restoring parity through a determined attacking push that paid off with a deserved equalizer.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Unirea Alba Iulia taking the lead once again before Sanatatea Cluj hit back for a second time to rescue a share of the spoils. The late exchanges were frantic, as both teams pushed for a winner that never arrived, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Key moments

• Unirea's first goal: The away side capitalized on a defensive error to fire home from a tight angle.
• Sanatatea's equaliser: A well-worked set-piece brought the home side back on level terms.
• Second lead for Unirea: A quick breakaway restored the visitors' advantage early in the second half.
• Final equaliser: A scrappy but powerful finish from close range secured the 2-2 scoreline for Sanatatea Cluj.

What the result means

The 2-2 draw means this Romanian Cup tie remains in the balance, with both teams showing enough quality in attack to believe they can progress. CS Sanatatea Cluj will take heart from their never-say-die attitude, while Unirea Alba Iulia will rue their failure to hold onto a lead on two separate occasions.

For neutral observers, the match was a reminder of the cup's capacity to produce open, engaging football even at this early stage of the season.