CFR Cluj’s Near Miss: A Thrilling Liga I Season Ends Just Short of Glory (2024–25)
In Romanian football, few clubs have asserted domestic dominance in recent years like CFR Cluj. From 2017 to 2022, the Transylvanian giants were nearly untouchable in Liga I, lifting five consecutive titles. But after a transitional phase in 2023, the 2024–25 season was supposed to mark a triumphant return to the summit. It nearly was.
In one of the most gripping Romanian league campaigns of the past decade, CFR Cluj battled fiercely for the title, only to fall short by a narrow margin to their age-old rivals, FCSB. While silverware did arrive in the form of the Cupa României, the league crown proved elusive. Still, this runner-up finish was nothing short of a statement: CFR are back, and they mean business.
LA Season Built on Grit and Goals
CFR Cluj started the 2024–25 campaign with clear ambitions. Backed by a new wave of signings and spearheaded by a revitalized squad, the club quickly established itself as a title contender. The return of consistent scoring, improved tactical flexibility, and a better balance between youth and experience were evident from the opening rounds.
Much of the club’s resurgence was powered by Louis Munteanu, who was signed from Fiorentina in the summer of 2024. The 22-year-old striker had an extraordinary season, scoring 23 league goals and 24 in all competitions—matching a club scoring record that had stood for over 50 years. His poise in front of goal and ability to decide matches with moments of brilliance became a recurring theme in CFR’s title push.
While Munteanu grabbed headlines, CFR’s midfield and defensive units played an equally pivotal role. Moustapha Name’s arrival added control and dynamism in the middle of the park, while the defense, marshaled by experienced leaders, showed signs of solidity not always present in previous campaigns.
The Duel with FCSB: A Season-Long Chess Match
From early in the season, it was clear that CFR Cluj’s biggest challenger would be FCSB, the capital’s powerhouse. The two teams traded top positions throughout the season, exchanging blows in what was essentially a two-horse race.
Their head-to-head encounters were particularly dramatic. In the regular season, the first clash ended in a hard-fought 1–1 draw in Cluj, a game remembered for Munteanu’s late equalizer and high-intensity duels. The return fixture in Bucharest saw FCSB edge out a narrow 2–1 win, giving them a psychological edge going into the Championship Round.
As the league split after the regular season into the playoff phase (top six teams competing for the title), the margin between the two sides was razor-thin. Both teams dropped unexpected points—CFR’s 0–0 home draw against Sepsi and FCSB’s shock defeat to Farul created continuous suspense. The final weeks of the playoff phase saw CFR Cluj ramp up their performances, stringing together crucial wins and keeping the pressure high on the league leaders.
The Deciding Moments
While CFR Cluj pushed FCSB until the final stretch, the deciding factor was consistency. FCSB, though not without flaws, managed to grind out results even when not playing at their best. Their ability to snatch late goals and convert tight matches into narrow wins ultimately gave them the edge.
CFR’s pivotal slip came in the penultimate round of the Championship Round when they were held to a 1–1 draw by Universitatea Craiova—a game they dominated but failed to kill off. That result meant that FCSB needed only a draw in their final fixture to secure the title, which they did with a composed 2–0 win over Rapid București.
CFR Cluj finished the season just three points behind FCSB. The gap, though small, told the story of a campaign where margins were everything. A missed chance here, a late goal conceded there—football’s brutal precision denied CFR the fairytale ending.
Silver Linings: A Cup Triumph and European Return
Despite the heartbreak in the league, CFR did not end the season empty-handed. In May, they clinched the Cupa României, defeating FC Hermannstadt 3–2 in a thrilling final. Louis Munteanu was once again the hero, scoring a crucial goal and demonstrating his star quality on the big stage.
This trophy was more than symbolic. It marked CFR Cluj’s first major silverware since 2022 and secured them a place in European competition next season. Their runner-up finish in the league also guarantees Europa League qualification—a crucial financial and sporting opportunity.
For a club with ambitions of European relevance, returning to continental football is both a relief and a necessity. It also serves as a platform to test the squad against tougher opposition and gain further experience.
Management and Tactical Evolution
Behind CFR Cluj’s strong season was a well-structured tactical setup. The coaching staff, led by a focused and ambitious manager, embraced a more attacking philosophy compared to previous years. While earlier CFR sides were known for pragmatism and defensive compactness, this team found joy in forward momentum, pressing, and dynamic movement.
This change suited the squad’s profile. Munteanu thrived as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 or partnered in a 4-4-2, depending on the opposition. The midfield’s ability to transition quickly and the full-backs’ overlapping runs gave CFR a more balanced and modern style.
Moreover, squad rotation was handled with care. Winter signings like Stipe Jurić and Moustapha Name added depth and competition, ensuring the team didn’t burn out by season’s end—a common issue in previous campaigns.
Fan Support and Stadium Atmosphere
The support from fans played a vital role. At the Dr. Constantin Rădulescu Stadium, the atmosphere during home games reached fever pitch as the season progressed. Ultras and casual fans alike reconnected with a team that not only won games but entertained.
Crowds swelled during key fixtures, and the club’s management made concerted efforts to improve matchday experiences. It paid off—home form was a crucial component of CFR’s title challenge.
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
As CFR Cluj prepares for the 2025–26 season, they do so with a sense of optimism. The campaign just concluded may have ended in near-miss heartbreak, but the foundations laid are solid. There’s belief, talent, and a competitive core.
The challenge will be maintaining this level while building further. Key players like Munteanu are likely to attract interest from abroad. If CFR can retain their stars and reinforce smartly, they will once again be among the favorites.
Questions also remain about financial stability—previous years saw reports of debt and license issues—but the current season showed signs of better fiscal management.
Conclusion
The 2024–25 season will be remembered by CFR Cluj supporters as one of pride, passion, and promise. Falling just short of the Liga I title is always painful, but the journey this team embarked on has reignited the club’s identity.
They were bold, brave, and beautiful at times. And though the crown slipped from their grasp, the message was clear: CFR Cluj are no longer rebuilding. They are ready to reign once more.
Leave a Reply