Andrea Mandorlini obtained what he wanted on the field of Dinamo, a positive result which makes CFR favourites in the second leg.
The coach of CFR made again some changes in starting eleven comparing with the game won in championship, against Pandurii Targu Jiu. Moreover, the Italian preferred to use for the first time in this year a system with a single striker, Yssouf Kone. Because he had many injured players, Cornel Talnar kept his word and sent on the field the couple of strikers Bratu - Niculescu. Dinamo opened the score fast, in 10th minute, when defender Lucian Goian headed from 11 meters after a free kick executed very well by Bostina.
The fight continued mainly in the midfield, N'Doye (15) being the single player of Dinamo who dangerously threatened the post of Nuno Claro, with a shot from distance. Yssouf Kone ended his period of "drought" with a goal scored in 25th minute: he received a pass at 30 meters, made a race of 20 meters and defeated the keeper of Dinamo with a shot from the box. Dinamo have received another blow a few minutes later, when the scorer Lucian Goian left the field injured, even by a team mate, Emilian Dolha. The goalkeeper of CFR was close to receive another goal, in 36th minute, when he rejected wrong the ball shot by Torje, Bratu recrossed in front of the post, but the phase was solved by Leonardo.
After the break, Dinamo were the team with more initiative and created more danger. First, Bottone was close to score in own post, then Nuno Claro got out from post totally wrong at a cross of "red dogs". Mandorlini was pleased with the draw, because in 66th minute he renounced at an offensive player, Culio, sending a defensive one, Dani.
Talnar forced the attack by introducing of Adrian Cristea, but CFR were the team who had more goal opportunities. Kone (73) and Cadu (77) tried to defeat Dolha with a header, but without effect. Mandorlini finally sent Traore on the field, to replace Peralta, but he did not want to risk using two strikers, so he changed Kone one minute later. The biggest opportunity of second half belonged to Dinamo, when N'Doye missed incredible, from a few meters, heading beside the post.
Cornel Talnar, coach of Dinamo: "The first half was balanced, when we managed to score, but unfortunately we received goal because of a collective mistake. We dominated the game then, but without having clear opportunities. Only at the final of the match we had a few huge opportunities to score. However, the qualification will be decided in Cluj. Any mistake counts a lot in Romanian Cup. We should have won tonight".
Andrea Mandorlini, coach of CFR Cluj: "The draw doesn't help us, because both teams have the same chances to qualify in second half. We met a strong team, with valuable players, but important is that in the end it was a balanced match. Important is that we managed to return in the game and to level the score. We had good opportunities, but they had too, so it is important that we haven't received another goal".
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