Poli - CFR Cluj 2:1 (2:1)

It's almost like an early Christmas for Poli fans - or more like a perpetual Christmas - as they have been receiving gift after gift from the amazing white-violets in the last few months, lead by the oh-so-brilliant Dusan Uhrin Jr.

In today's game, although CFR managed to put a lot of pressure on the Poli defense by controlling the ball better, Cisovsky majestically held everyone together at the back to neutralize all opportunities the away side could have had. Bucur was the first one to come close to scoring in the 16th minute and CFR replied through Trica, but both shots went wide. Ten minutes later, Artiom Karamyan managed to send a very dangerous ball into the penalty area after a free-kick, and thanks to a fumble by the Cluj defense, the ball reached Cisovsky who converted for a 1:0 lead! It took the white-violets only three minutes to double their advantage and the protagonists were the same: Karamyan took a corner-kick, Cisovsky flew in and sent a header into the net, no chance for Stancioiu! Although CFR were still on top of things possession-wise, Poli came close again in the 42nd minute, when Stancioiu just managed to make a save out of Gigel Bucur's feet. Finally, the away side turned their pressure into something more concrete, as an excellent combination allowed Didi to finish smoothly past Pantilimon in extra-time.
The second half was similar, in that CFR tried to score and Poli had the best opportunities, through Bucur, Stancu and Karamyan, but as the minutes went by, the game broke down into an aggressive play and chances became scarce. As CFR were not able to put Pantilimon under any real pressure, the match ended with a hard earned 2:1 by the white-violets, who climb unto the podium of the first league, despite the six point penalty.

So an excellent job today by Uhrin and his men, especially Cisovsky and Artiom Karamyan. While the former was instrumental in defense, Artiom not only made two assists, but also covered very well for a poor performance by Milhazes.

Poli: Pantilimon (6) - Bădoi (5,5), Brezinsky (6), Cisovsky (8,5), Milhazes (5) - Stancu (5,5), Alexa (5,5), Borbely (5,5), Art. Karamyan (7) - Bucur (6), Parks (5,5)

Magera (5,5), Rusic and Goga replaced Borbely, Parks and Bucur.



Cisovsky goal (min 27):



Cisovsky goal (min 30):



Didi goal (min 45):



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Bucur chance (min 16):



Trică chance (min 17):



Chances by Bucur and Stancu (min 53):




Alexa controversy (min 54):



Karamyan chance (min 66):