Roma 2-1 CFR Cluj - Italians hold on to sink Cluj

Posted Tuesday, September 28, 2010 by PA

Roma struck twice in the second half to beat CFR Cluj and claim their first victory in the Champions League this season.

Philippe Mexes put the Italians ahead in the 69th minute before substitute Marco Borriello doubled the lead two minutes later.

Cluj's Ionut Rada reduced the arrears with 12 minutes remaining, but Roma held on.

The Giallorossi, who lost their opener at Bayern Munich, were dreadful in the first half-hour and were lucky not to be 2-0 down early in the second half.

Cluj's Lacina Traore hit the crossbar after 31 minutes played and the Ivory Coast striker could not believe his misfortune after his bullet strike rebounded off the post in the 52nd minute.

The win lifts Roma to second in Group E, level on three points with Cluj and one point behind leaders Bayern Munich after two games played.

Cluj dominated possession early on but could not make it count.

Traore thought he had put them ahead after 31 minutes but his left-footed strike from 15 yards hit the crossbar with Roma goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont already beaten.

It was a wake-up call for Roma, who had the first chance soon after.

Daniele De Rossi set up Mirko Vucinic and his angled shot from the edge of the area forced Cluj goalkeeper Nuno Claro to make a save. Shortly after, Claro did well to turn away Francesco Totti's free-kick.

On the stroke of half-time, Nicolas Burdisso latched onto Totti's cross and his header was saved by Claro.

In the 52nd minute, Traore's bullet strike from distance struck the far post as Cluj began the second half in confident fashion.

Roma pressed forward and broke the deadlock after the hour mark.

David Pizarro's low corner found Mexes inside the area and he fired past Claro.

Cluj had little time to react as Roma struck again soon after.

Borriello got behind De Rossi's pass and his beautiful volley went into the back of the net.

The visitors never gave up hope and reduced the deficit with 12 minutes remaining as Rada nodded Culio's free-kick past Lobont.

Roma were forced to defend as Cluj went in search of the equaliser.

With two minutes remaining, Lobont did well to punch away a dangerous strike from Dica.