U23 League

Hall of Valhalla
Spectators: 160 (Terracing: 120, Seating: 37, VIP seats: 3) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Calistrat Şerbănescu kicked off to start the match. Calistrat Şerbănescu's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 3rdth minute, Aurel Tilea skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. In the 4th minute, Sorin Nicorici hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. With a little luck, FC UNIREA Alba Iulia's Aurel Tilea got control of the ball when Calistrat Şerbănescu tried to sneak it across the goal line. Sebastian Istodor was really disappointed when he shot the ball just outside the right post instead of scoring a goal in the 14th minute. PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca's manager could be seen on the sidelines shaking his head and muttering to himself as his team had just wasted another chance. After having played for 17 minutes, Sebastian Istodor managed to get in a good position for a shot on goal. PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca's supporters crossed their fingers, but Sebastian Istodor was, after a quick turn that froze the defenders, out of balance and shot the ball just to the right of the goal. Aurel Tilea showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Calistrat Şerbănescu, who was totally free with the ball in the 22nd minute. The crowd rose to their feet as Petruț Crivac kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Aurel Tilea. That made the score 1-0 in the 26 minute of play. Vlad Covrig showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Emanuel Finteșteanu, who was totally free with the ball in the 34th minute. In the 35th minute Calistrat Şerbănescu shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Aurel Tilea saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. Gigi Câmpeanu recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 36th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. After a rather tough play, PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca's Mircea Jupân got a free kick in the 38th minute. Alin Agud fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 40th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Vlad Covrig having to interfere. In the 41st minute, Sebastian Istodor hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. When the referee blew for the end of the half the home team players were clearly happier, as they went in to the break leading 1-0.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Gigi Câmpeanu stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. Aurel Tilea stood for a superb save when he managed to get hold of Damian Cârlan's shot from short distance in the 57th minute. After 58 played minutes FC UNIREA Alba Iulia got a freekick which was hit by Mădălin Jupân. Emanuel Finteșteanu hit a great freekick 64 minutes into the match. Sebastian Istodor's shot was meant for the net just under the crossbar, but Aurel Tilea read the situation well and was quickly in position to make a wonderful save in the 67th minute of play. An unexpectedly hard shot by Emanuel Dacian in the 68th minute of play forced FC UNIREA Alba Iulia's goalkeeper Aurel Tilea to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Calistrat Şerbănescu's late challenge caught a FC UNIREA Alba Iulia's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Calistrat Şerbănescu helped the player get up and apologised. After 78 minutes, Sebastian Istodor mouthed his way into the referee's book. The tension between the PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca and the FC UNIREA Alba Iulia players grew even worse after the yellow card. Damian Cârlan sent away a hard shot on goal in the 83rd minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Aurel Tilea showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Damian Cârlan in the 83rd minute of the match. With a couple of smart ball manuevers Damian Cârlan in the 84th managed to get into a good position. With a left leg Aurel Tilea saved FC UNIREA Alba Iulia from getting behind. Damian Cârlan received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 93rd minute. Aurel Tilea tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. The supporters of FC UNIREA Alba Iulia booed when PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 95 match minutes in a wonderful position. Sebastian Istodor didn't get a good kick on the ball. PHOENIX Cluj-Napoca walked away with a well-earned victory that was much celebrated by the crowd.