CFR Cluj take on the visitors Dinamo Bucharest in the round 1 match of Romanian Liga 1. The match will be played on Sunday, July 14th at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu (Cluj-Napoca).
CFR Cluj were founded, as their emblem states, back in 1907. However, it wasn’t until they crossed the century mark that they began to show their potential. After a trophyless period, they burst onto the scene in 2008-2010, winning the cup three times in a row, the Super Cup twice, and, most importantly, becoming national champions twice. They then faded into the background, managing only a single cup success in the following seasons. A new rise began in 2018, with five consecutive gold medals (along with two Super Cups). But for the past two seasons, other teams have claimed the Romanian championship, and this spring, they again failed to catch Steaua. To change this and return to the top, Dan Petrescu was brought back as head coach for his fourth stint at Cluj-Napoca. Preseason friendlies had mixed results, with a win against Slovan Bratislava, a loss to Śląsk, and a draw with LASK. The transfer activity is high, and it's too early to say the team is fully formed.
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Dinamo Bucharest aims to strengthen its position. The "Red Dogs," with their 18 league titles, are undeniably local football giants. Especially since they reached the semifinals of the European Cup and the Cup Winners' Cup in the 80s (though their neighbors Steaua had brighter results, even winning international trophies). However, the last "gold" dates back to 2007, with only occasional cup successes since. It got to the point where the capital giant was relegated to the second division. They immediately returned, but only through playoff matches. Last season was notable not for their field performances (finishing 13th out of 16), but for the mystery: was it Iaș, the defender once listed with Barcelona, in Bucharest, or his twin brother? This summer saw new arrivals, including the tall Ghanaian defender Boateng. In friendlies, they only lost to Kryvbas.
The "Dinamovists" last won in 2017. In the last six matches, they have only secured 1 draw – at home last season, followed by a 0-4 loss away. The hosts remain significantly stronger. With their new-old coach, they should win at home with a "-1 goal" handicap.
Prediction for the match: CFR Cluj to win with -1.0 handicap.
