Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj: Prediction, Lineups & Kickoff Time | Romanian Liga12025/26

On: December 12, 2025 2:11 AM

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Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Match Preview

A classic Romanian football rivalry reignites at the Stadionul Ilie Oană on Sunday, 14 December 2025. This “Primus Derby” sees two historic clubs fighting for different objectives as the regular season heats up. Universitatea Cluj sit comfortably in 8th place with 27 points, eyeing the playoff spots (top 6). Petrolul Ploiești, struggling in 12th with 19 points, are desperate to break a poor run of form and distance themselves from the relegation zone. With the passionate “Lupii Galbeni” fans behind them, Petrolul will treat this as a must-win final.

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Match Info

Competition: Liga I (Matchday 20)
Venue: Stadionul Ilie Oană, Ploiești (Capacity: 15,097)
Date: Sunday, 14 December 2025
Kickoff: 15:30 EET | 13:30 GMT
Referee: TBC (CCA Appointment)

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Match Stakes

Petrolul Ploiești (12th — 19 pts):

Win → Moves to 22 pts; huge morale boost and gap from the bottom 4
Draw → Extends winless run but stops the bleeding against a top-half side
Loss → Risk dropping to 13th/14th; pressure on the manager intensifies

Universitatea Cluj (8th — 27 pts):

Win → Moves to 30 pts; puts immense pressure on the Top 6 playoff contenders
Draw → Keeps them in the mid-table pack; 5 games unbeaten streak continues
Loss → A setback in the playoff race; allows teams like Hermannstadt to close in

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Team News

Petrolul Ploiești:

Fabricio Baiano — Out (Knee Injury)
Ludewig K. — Out (Ankle Injury)
Ticu V. — Out (Ankle Injury – Captain Missing)
Marian B. — Out (Inactive)
Prce F. — Out (Inactive)

Universitatea Cluj:

Chica-Rosa A. — Questionable (Injury)
Salceanu R. — Questionable (Injury)
Mateiu A. — Questionable (Inactive)

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Petrolul Ploiești

08/12 — 0–1 vs UTA Arad (Liga I)
05/12 — 0–4 vs Univ. Craiova (Cup)
01/12 — 4–1 vs Metaloglobus (Liga I)
23/11 — 1–1 vs FCSB (Liga I)
15/11 — 2–2 vs Steaua București (Friendly)

Universitatea Cluj

07/12 — 3–0 vs FC Hermannstadt (Liga I)
04/12 — 2–2 vs Sepsi OSK (Cup)
01/12 — 0–0 vs Univ. Craiova (Liga I)
22/11 — 2–0 vs UTA Arad (Liga I)
07/11 — 3–1 vs Metaloglobus (Liga I)

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

10/08/2025 — U. Cluj 1–1 Petrolul
14/12/2024 — U. Cluj 4–1 Petrolul
12/08/2024 — Petrolul 0–0 U. Cluj
14/04/2024 — U. Cluj 1–2 Petrolul
11/11/2023 — U. Cluj 0–0 Petrolul

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Petrolul Ploiești (4-2-3-1)

Zima; Ricardinho, Papp, Huja, Dumitriu; Keita, Jyry; Radulescu, Hanca, Grozav; Tudorie

Universitatea Cluj (4-3-1-2)

Gertmonas; Boboc, Masoero, Cristea, Chipciu; Simion, Bic, Popescu; Nistor; Thiam, Blanuta

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Impact Bench

Petrolul Ploiești: Irobiso (Physical striker), Bratu (Creative spark)

Universitatea Cluj: Silaghi (Pace on wing), Bettaieb (Goal threat)

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Tactical Analysis

Petrolul Ploiești

Without their captain Valentin Țicu, Petrolul’s left flank is vulnerable. They will look to play on the counter-attack, utilizing the experience of Gicu Grozav and Sergiu Hanca to create moments of magic. Their recent 0–4 cup loss to Craiova exposed major defensive gaps that U. Cluj’s midfield will try to exploit.

Universitatea Cluj

Ioan Ovidiu Sabău’s team is disciplined and dangerous. Led by the evergreen Dan Nistor in the #10 role, they control the tempo well. They will look to dominate the midfield battle against Petrolul’s double pivot. U. Cluj have scored 5 goals in their last two league away games (vs UTA and Metaloglobus), showing they are comfortable playing on the road.

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Key Battles

Grozav vs Boboc — Petrolul’s main threat vs reliable fullback
Nistor vs Keita — battle for midfield supremacy
Tudorie vs Masoero — physical duel in the box
Thiam vs Huja — speed vs positioning

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Spotlight Players

Petrolul Ploiești — Gicu Grozav

The most talented player in the squad. When Grozav ticks, Petrolul play well. He needs to step up and lead the attack in this crucial derby.

Universitatea Cluj — Dan Nistor

The veteran playmaker is having a fantastic season. His vision and set-piece delivery are the primary reasons U. Cluj are fighting for the playoffs.

Petrolul Ploiești vs Universitatea Cluj — Prediction

Petrolul Ploiești 1–1 Universitatea Cluj

Petrolul are tough to beat at home despite their recent form, and the derby atmosphere will level the playing field. U. Cluj are the better side on paper, but a gritty, low-scoring draw seems the most likely outcome at Ilie Oană.