Cluj continue record run

By Paul-Daniel Zaharia

CFR Cluj continued Romania's best-ever run in the UEFA Intertoto Cup as they stormed past FK Žalgiris Vilnius into the final.

Lead increases
Cluj had already knocked out FK Vetra, Athletic Club Bilbao and AS Saint-Etienne in a run that, like their opponents today, began in the first round. But already leading 2-1 from last week's victory in Lithuania, Cluj triumphed comfortably today to set up a final beginning next Tuesday at home to RC Lens for a place in the UEFA Cup first round, with the return two weeks later.

Munteanu suspended
Cluj, in their debut European campaign, were without player-coach Dorinel Munteanu through a one-game suspension. However, Munteanu had said his team had to prove themselves without him against Žalgiris, and they were in total control today.

Cluj goals
On eleven minutes, Cluj's leading Intertoto scorer Cosmin Tilinca struck his seventh of the competition, chipping visiting goalkeeper Mindaugas Malinauskas. Tilinca was then fouled in the box just before half-time, allowing captain Vasile Jula to double the second-leg lead.

Victory complete
Ambrozie Coroian made it three just four minutes into the second half with a superb shot from 18 metres, and Cluj's quick passes again undid Žalgiris eight minutes later when Alin Minteoan finished off a move from long range. Another great combination allowed Adrian Anca on to the scoresheet, and victory was secure, though Andrius Jokšas did manage a late consolation for Lithuania's first Intertoto Cup semi-finalists.