Local champions Floriana bowed out of the Champions League yesterday when they were beaten by CFR Cluj 2-0 in an otherwise balanced affair. Two headers in the second half proved to be enough for Petrescu’s side yesterday at the

Centenary Stadium, as the Romanian outfit continues with its adventure in the Champions League, whilst Floriana will carry on their European experience in the UEFA Europa League next month.

Floriana however gave a spirited display, especially after suffering the first goal, when the Greens held the initiative for long stretches and had a couple of good chances of obtaining the equaliser.

However Cluj scored a second one deep in stoppage time to shatter the Greens’ residual hopes.

The first half had nothing to offer, with play scrappy at times. Cluj held territorial superiority with Floriana however never giving away an inch.

In fact their were practically no attempts at goal in the opening fourty five minutes with Akpan only tested in the dying seconds, when he blocked a Rondon header.

The second half was more entertaining with Cluj taking the lead on 53 minutes when Mike

Cestor was allowed to head home a Pereira freekick. Potenza’s side however grew in composure after suffering this setback and went close a couple of minutes later with a Leone attempt deflected to a corner.

Just before the hour Akpan came to his side’s rescue when he dived to save a Hoban dipper from the edge of the area. Floriana increased the pressure in search of the equaliser and had some good moments too with Nicola Leone denied by a good Balgradean save.

In stoppage time substitute and former Santa Lucia player Brandon Paiber alomsot forced the game to extra time but his dangerous freekick just missed the crossbar.

With Floriana pushing desperately forward, Cluj sealed the issue on 97 minutes when substitute Golofca headed home a Rondon cross.

Photo Domenic Aquilina