Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj Review, September 7, 2026
Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj, 7.09.2026: formă, jucători și pariuri
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Review Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj, 7.09.2026: formă, jucători și pariuri

We analyze the Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj match on September 7, 2026, taking into account the teams’ recent form, SuperLiga standings, and head-to-head results. Discover the key players to watch, the main trends ahead of the game, and the important factors to consider before making a betting decision.

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Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj, 7 September 2026

Universitatea Craiova and Universitatea Cluj will meet on Monday, 7 September 2026, on Matchday 8 of the Romanian SuperLiga. Kick-off is at 20:30 Romanian time, with Craiova listed as the home side. The LPF has also confirmed that Matchdays 7 and 8 will be broadcast by Prima Sport and Digi Sport.

The fixture was initially scheduled for the 5–6 September weekend. When the detailed programme was published, however, the LPF set the match for 7 September. The league's current schedule does not specify the stadium, so no venue can yet be treated as officially confirmed.

All standings, form and player data below are current as of 25 August 2026. Both teams still have league fixtures to play before they meet, while Craiova also have Europa League qualifying commitments.

Why Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj Is One of Matchday 8's Key Fixtures

The teams have already met several times in high-stakes matches in recent months. Craiova were crowned Romanian champions in 2025/26, while U Cluj finished second, the best league result in the Cluj club's history.

Their recent head-to-head record adds extra context. On 13 May, Craiova beat U Cluj on penalties in the Romanian Cup final after a 0–0 draw. Four days later, Craiova won 5–0 in the league to secure the title early.

They met again on 12 July in the Romanian Super Cup. The match finished 1–1 in regulation time before Craiova won the penalty shoot-out 5–3. The 7 September fixture will therefore be their fourth official meeting in less than four months.

SuperLiga Standings

After Matchday 6, Craiova are fourth with 10 points from six matches. U Cluj are eighth with nine points from five.

U Cluj also have a game in hand after their Matchday 4 fixture against CFR Cluj was postponed until 8 October.

Team Matches Wins Draws Losses Goals Points
Universitatea Craiova 6 3 1 2 13–8 10
Universitatea Cluj 5 3 0 2 7–6 9

Only one point separates the sides, although Craiova have played one match more.

Universitatea Craiova Form

Craiova's last five official matches:

Date Match Competition Score
23 August Craiova – Voluntari SuperLiga 3–1
20 August Craiova – Ararat-Armenia Europa League 1–1
16 August Oțelul – Craiova SuperLiga 1–1
13 August Craiova – KuPS Europa League 2–1
9 August Craiova – FC Argeș SuperLiga 0–1

Craiova have recorded two wins, two draws and one defeat across those five matches, scoring seven goals and conceding five.

Their home league form has been stronger. Craiova have beaten UTA 4–0, Petrolul 4–0 and Voluntari 3–1, with their only home defeat coming against FC Argeș, 0–1. That leaves them with three wins from four home league matches and an 11–2 goal difference.

The 3–1 victory over Voluntari on 23 August was one of Craiova's strongest performances of the campaign so far. They had 66% possession and registered 22 shots to Voluntari's three, while the LPF named Monday Etim the best player of the match.

Craiova still have a demanding schedule before facing U Cluj. They travel to Ararat-Armenia for the second leg of their Europa League play-off on 27 August before visiting Rapid in the SuperLiga on 31 August.

Universitatea Cluj Form

U Cluj's last five official matches:

Date Match Competition Score
22 August Dinamo – U Cluj SuperLiga 2–1
17 August U Cluj – UTA SuperLiga 2–1
3 August U Cluj – FC Botoșani SuperLiga 2–1
30 July Brann – U Cluj Conference League 3–1
26 July Sepsi – U Cluj SuperLiga 1–0

U Cluj have two wins and three defeats from those matches, with six goals scored and eight conceded.

Their away league form is one area to watch. U Cluj have lost both of their away SuperLiga matches so far, 0–1 against Sepsi and 1–2 against Dinamo, giving them a combined away goal difference of 1–3.

The sample is only two matches, so firm conclusions would be premature. Even so, their away record is a relevant factor before a trip to the champions.

U Cluj's final league fixture before visiting Craiova is at home against Petrolul on 28 August.

Players to Watch

Several players have already made a significant contribution for both teams this season. Steven Nsimba leads Craiova's scoring, while Alibek Aliev has been the main source of goals for U Cluj.

Universitatea Craiova

Steven Nsimba is Craiova's leading league scorer after six matches, with 4 of the team's 13 SuperLiga goals (30.8%).

The LPF described him as a classic number nine after Craiova's Matchday 3 game against Petrolul. Nsimba scored the opening two goals in a 4–0 victory.

His recent record against U Cluj is also relevant. In the Romanian Super Cup on 12 July, Nsimba missed an early opportunity before opening the scoring in the 40th minute from inside the penalty area. The match eventually finished 1–1, with Craiova winning on penalties.

Nsimba's role is straightforward: Craiova rely on their centre-forward to finish attacks. One of the key questions will be how often the home side can find him inside the penalty area and whether U Cluj can prevent him from receiving the ball in dangerous positions.

Monday Etim approaches the fixture after an influential performance against Voluntari. He has 2 SuperLiga goals this season and played a part in all three goals in Craiova's 3–1 win on 23 August.

Etim was fouled for the first penalty, which Nsimba converted. He later won another spot kick, took it himself and scored from the rebound after the goalkeeper saved his initial effort.

The LPF named Etim the best player of the match and selected him in the Matchday 6 Team of the Week. His contribution is not limited to finishing chances: his movement into the box can stretch defenders and force mistakes.

Against U Cluj, the space Etim finds between midfield and defence will be worth watching. He can drive the team forward, make runs into the penalty area and create room for teammates, giving Craiova a different type of threat alongside Nsimba.

Ștefan Baiaram is another important part of Craiova's attack. He has 2 league goals after the opening six matches.

Baiaram made an immediate impact on Matchday 1, when Craiova beat UTA 4–0. Both the LPF and the television rights holders named him the best player of the match. He added his second league goal on Matchday 3.

Although the LPF officially classifies Baiaram as a midfielder, he regularly gets into the final third. His runs from deep and movement into space around the centre-forward give Craiova another route to goal.

His availability should be checked again before publication, however, as Baiaram did not feature against Voluntari on Matchday 6.

Nicușor Bancu offers something different. The Craiova captain is central to the team's structure on the left and has played in all six league matches this season.

His performance against Petrolul on Matchday 3 earned him a place in the LPF Team of the Week after Craiova's 4–0 victory.

Bancu can influence the match in both directions. In possession, his forward runs give Craiova width on the left. Without the ball, he will have to deal with U Cluj's attacks down his flank.

His impact is therefore better judged by how effectively Craiova control the left side than by goals or assists alone.

Universitatea Cluj

Alibek Aliev is U Cluj's leading attacking threat. Before the Matchday 6 game against Dinamo, the centre-forward had 4 goals and 2 assists, having been involved in all six league goals U Cluj had scored up to that point.

He then opened the scoring against Dinamo in the 7th minute, taking his league total to 5 goals. U Cluj eventually lost the match 1–2, but Aliev's scoring run continued.

Aliev joined U Cluj on 16 June after playing for CFR Cluj. His early numbers suggest he offers more than penalty-box finishing: his two assists show that he can also bring teammates into attacks.

Craiova will therefore have to deal with both his movement around goal and his ability to combine with others. With 5 goals in U Cluj's first five SuperLiga matches, he remains the visitors' clearest individual scoring threat.

Mouhamadou Drammeh is U Cluj's second-highest league scorer with 2 goals, despite operating primarily in midfield. The club describes him as a defensively oriented central midfielder.

His attacking value comes from his ability to make runs from deep. Drammeh does not need to remain close to Aliev to threaten the penalty area, and his late arrivals can give U Cluj an extra body in attacking positions.

Bergodi has also used him regularly. Drammeh started against Dinamo alongside Ovidiu Bic and Pedro Pinho and remained on the pitch until late in the match.

For Craiova, tracking those runs through central areas could be important, particularly if defenders are drawn towards Aliev.

Alexandru Chipciu remains one of U Cluj's most influential players regardless of his scoring numbers. He captained the side against Dinamo on 22 August and also started the opening league fixture against Farul.

His value comes from his experience and versatility. The LPF lists Chipciu as a midfielder, but he can also operate deeper and cover the flank, allowing Bergodi to adjust the team's shape without necessarily making a substitution.

If Chipciu plays in a deeper role against Craiova, he will need to limit the opposition's forward runs while also helping U Cluj build attacks. His influence is likely to be most visible in how securely the visitors control his area of the pitch.

Dan Nistor remains an experienced option in central midfield. The LPF lists him as a midfielder wearing number 10, and he has made five league appearances this season.

His role is less established than that of an automatic starter. Against Dinamo, Nistor began on the bench and replaced Pedro Pinho in the 54th minute.

That gives Bergodi another option when U Cluj need more composure in possession. Nistor could be introduced if the visitors want greater control in midfield or a more patient build-up, although there is no basis for assuming that he will start.

Jovo Lukić has played less often at the start of the new campaign, but his record from last season still makes him a significant attacking option.

The Bosnian forward scored 18 SuperLiga goals in 2025/26, all from open play according to the LPF, and was named in the league's Team of the Season.

This season, he has made two league appearances. Against Dinamo, Lukić came on in the 54th minute in place of Aliev.

Aliev's current form makes him the obvious first reference point in attack, but Lukić gives Bergodi a proven alternative through the middle. His introduction from the bench could also force Craiova to adjust their defensive approach.

Marius Ștefănescu is another attacking option for U Cluj. He joined the club in the summer and has featured in two league matches, including a start against Farul on the opening weekend.

Ștefănescu can provide pace and more direct progression down the flank when U Cluj want to attack the penalty area quickly.

His role is less established than those of Aliev or Chipciu, so his match fitness and recent involvement should be checked again before publication.

Overall, Bergodi has several ways to alter his attack. Aliev is the main source of goals, Drammeh offers runs from midfield, while Lukić and Ștefănescu provide alternatives from the bench or in a different shape. Chipciu and Nistor add experience and can help change the balance of the team during the match.

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What to Consider Before Betting on Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj

Before the final line-ups are published, recent results and broader trends provide more useful context than firm predictions.

One factor is Craiova's home scoring record. They have scored 11 goals and conceded two across four home SuperLiga matches, winning three of them.

U Cluj's away record provides another point of comparison. They have lost both away league matches so far.

Their league matches as a whole have generally produced more goals than those two away results suggest. Four of U Cluj's five SuperLiga matches have finished with over 2.5 goals:

  • 2–1 against Farul;

  • 0–1 against Sepsi;

  • 2–1 against Botoșani;

  • 2–1 against UTA;

  • 1–2 against Dinamo.

Four of Craiova's six league matches have also finished with over 2.5 goals: 4–0 against UTA, 1–5 against Dinamo, 4–0 against Petrolul and 3–1 against Voluntari. Their other two matches finished 0–1 against FC Argeș and 1–1 against Oțelul.

These figures may change before 7 September. Both clubs still have Matchday 7 to play, while Craiova also have a European fixture before the meeting.

There is little value in quoting specific odds this far in advance because bookmaker markets can change. Current odds and market conditions should be checked with the selected operator before any bet is placed.

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Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj: What to Expect

At this stage, Craiova have several advantages on paper. They have home advantage, three wins from four home league matches and sit higher in the table. They have also scored 13 goals in six SuperLiga matches, compared with U Cluj's seven in five.

The gap between the teams remains small, however. Only one point separates them, and U Cluj have a game in hand. Bergodi's side have won three of their first five league matches, while Alibek Aliev has already scored 5 goals.

The picture may look different after the remaining fixtures before 7 September. Craiova still have European commitments and an away league match against Rapid, while U Cluj face Petrolul at home.

A firmer assessment of form, likely line-ups and betting markets will therefore be possible after Matchday 7.

FAQ

When Will Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj Take Place?

The Matchday 8 SuperLiga fixture is scheduled for Monday, 7 September 2026, at 20:30 Romanian time.

Where Will the Match Take Place?

Universitatea Craiova are officially listed as the home team. The specific stadium is not listed in the LPF's published Matchday 8 schedule.

Where Can I Watch Universitatea Craiova – U Cluj?

The LPF states that Matchdays 7 and 8 will be broadcast by Prima Sport and Digi Sport.

What Positions Are the Teams In?

After Matchday 6, Craiova are fourth with 10 points from six matches, while U Cluj are eighth with nine points from five.

When Did the Teams Last Meet?

Their most recent meeting was on 12 July 2026 in the Romanian Super Cup. The match finished 1–1 in regulation time before Craiova won the penalty shoot-out 5–3.

Who Are the Teams' Top Scorers?

After six league matches, Steven Nsimba leads Craiova with 4 goals. Alibek Aliev has 5 goals for U Cluj after five league matches.

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