CFR 1907 Cluj edged out Ukrainian side Karpaty 1-0 in a pre-season friendly decided by a single penalty.
The first half produced few clear chances but plenty of tension, with bookings for both sides in quick succession. Karpaty's D. Miroshnichenko was cautioned in the 32nd minute, and CFR's L. Biliboc followed just two minutes later with a yellow of his own, setting an edgy tone heading into the interval.
The breakthrough came in the second half when D. Djokovic stepped up to convert a penalty in the 71st minute, giving CFR 1907 Cluj the lead they would not relinquish. It proved to be the only goal of the contest, with neither side finding a way through after that in what remained a tightly contested affair.
For CFR 1907 Cluj, the win offers a useful marker as they continue preparations, with Djokovic's spot-kick composure a highlight to build on. Karpaty, despite the setback, will take some encouragement from limiting their opponents to a single goal against a side of CFR's pedigree, though the early yellow card for Miroshnichenko will be a point of note for their coaching staff.
With no further incidents after the goal, CFR 1907 Cluj closed out the friendly with a narrow but tidy victory over their Ukrainian opponents.