CFR 1907 Cluj secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Sepsi in the Romanian Cup group stage on Monday evening. The visitors looked comfortable from the opening exchanges, taking the lead inside ten minutes through A. Paun's eighth-minute strike. Sepsi fought back to level matters shortly after the interval, but Cluj's response was swift and decisive.
The opening goal arrived early, with Paun finding the net in the eighth minute to set the tone for what followed. D. Bradeanu picked up a yellow card in the sixth minute, a caution that hinted at the physical nature of the contest before the breakthrough. Sepsi's equaliser came just after the break when A. Sfait pounced on a loose ball in the 47th minute to bring the hosts level.
Cluj then took control of the game. C. Davordzie restored the visitors' advantage in the 66th minute, and M. Korenica sealed the victory with a late goal in the 86th minute. C. Braun received a yellow card in the 39th minute as Sepsi tried to mount a comeback, but the hosts could find no way through a well-drilled Cluj defence.
Both managers made several changes during the second half, with Cluj bringing on V. Kun in the 67th minute and Sepsi introducing A. Nistor and R. Cantauz together in the 73rd. Paun was substituted in the 80th minute after his opening goal, replaced by Ghimfus as Cluj saw the game out with confidence.
The result moves Cluj into a strong position in their group stage campaign. Sepsi's recent form had suggested resilience — they had drawn two of their last five games — but this performance showed they have work to do if they are to progress further in the competition.
