CFR Cluj and their Champions League road

After an enthralling game resulting in a historic loss against the rejuvenated Tottenham Hotspurs, Manchester United FC will be raring to perform better in the 2^nd Group H fixture vs. Romanian champions CFR Cluj 1907. Although a relatively unknown club in Europe, CFR Cluj is famous to be the first team outside the city of Bucharest to win the Liga I title in nearly two decades (in 2007-08).

The Past: CFR Cluj is a Romanian professional club from the city of Cluj-Napoca in Transylvania, Romania. The club has spent most of their time in the lower divisions. However, after receiving major financial backing Árpád Pászkány in 2002, the club realized its dream in 2004 when they returned to the top flight after an earlier stint in the 70s. The club became Liga I champions in 2007-08, qualifying for the UEFA Champions League (2008-09) group stages. Very few will remember them beating Italian side AS Roma in the first match, followed by a draw against the previous season’s Champion’s League finalists, Chelsea. However, in the same season, they finished fourth, failing to qualify for the 09-10 UEFA Champion’s League.

In the 2009-10 season, the team managed to win the league title for the second time in its history, confirming the heavy investments in the club’s infrastructure, management and squad transfers. Managed by Coach Andrea Mandorlini, CFR Cluj also kept the Romanian Cup and qualified for the UEFA Champion’s League group stage.

The 2011- 12 season brought the Liga I title to Cluj for the third time. Starting under Jorge Costa’s supervision, the team maintained a spot in the top three. A few major defeats close to the end of the season prompted Costa to be replaced by Ioan Andone. After this managerial change, the team tackled all remaining matches with wins and one draw, results that contributed to yet another trophy.

The Present: The Railwaymen, as they are called affectionately, started their 2011-12 under Ioan Andone with a 2-2 draw against Petrolul Ploiesti and a 1-1 win against Dinamo Bucuresti. They started their Champions League trot with a 2-0 win over Sporting Braga of Portugal. They are currently sitting atop Group H of the Champions League. Back home after the CL fixture, they lost their Liga I match. However, they bounced back and snatched a 2-0 victory in the Romanian Cup. Their never-say-attitude is reflected in their goal scoring, which is more during the end of either halves of game.

The Upcoming Match: They are looking confident ahead of their CL fixture against Manchester United, riding on an emphatic 5-1 victory in Liga I over 29.09.2012. Man United on the other hand, have just lost a home game in the EPL to Tottenham Hotspurs. The opening CL games for both the clubs have been wins, but CFR Cluj scored a morale boosting 2-0 away win at Braga. Man United struggled to keep Turkish giants Galatasaray at bay, and won thanks to an early Michael Carrick goal. However, Sir Alex’s side can count on their experience in European games, as the 3-times European Champions look to make a bold statement after a shock exit from the elite tournament last season. Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said, “There’s no chance I’ll be going with kids in this one. We will play the experienced players. Cluj knocked out Basel over two legs in the qualifier — that shows where they are. To win in Braga takes some doing. It is not an easy place to go. We are taking it seriously. They think they can qualify now. They have a home game against United; get something from it and they are in a good position with back-to-back games against Galatasaray next.”

Rafael Bastos has been is top form for Cluj

Probable teams: Ioan Andone’s side may start with the same team as with Braga, with Greece striker Pantelis Kapetanos and Senegalese striker Moudou Sougou starting up-front. Both of them are riding high with a good performance in the Liga I, with Kapetanos getting on the score-sheet in their recent 5-1 league victory.

Brazilian Rafael Bastos, however, has been the main attacking threat for CFR Cluj, with the man netting both the goals against Braga. He is also in scintillating form in the Liga I, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He is definitely the man to watch. Ioan Andone favors playing the 4-4-2 style of English game with which Manchester United has won remarkable success on numerous occasions.

Keeping in mind Sir Alex’s statement that experienced players will be getting a chance, I suppose SAF will start David De Gea in goal. The defense will have the favored back four in Rafael, J. Evans, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra. However, with the recent lackluster display by the defense in the EPL, SAF will have to focus on strengthening the defense. Rio Ferdinand will be the centre of attention in this match.

One player who has Champions League experience and who needs more game time is Darren Fletcher, and I think he will start in deep in the midfield, so as to provide stability to the defense as well. The mid field will be complete with Paul Scholes/ Michael Carrick, with Nani and Kagawa on the wing. The strike force has to be reckoned, as SAF will be hoping to start with Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie.

CFR Cluj 1907

Felgueiras;

Ivo Pinto, L. Sepsi, Cadu (C), Ionut Rada;

G. Muresan, R. Bastos, L. Alberto, Camora;

Pantelis Kapetanos,

Modou Sogou

Manchester United FC

De Gea;

Rafael, J. Evans, Rio Ferdinand, Evra (C);

Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Kagawa;

Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie