CFR return to winners' circle in Romania

CFR 1907 Cluj have sealed their second Romanian championship crown with one match to go this season after recording a 2-1 home win against FC Internaţional Curtea de Argeş.

Three points ahead of second-placed FC Unirea Urziceni before today's game, CFR went ahead through Cristian Bud just after the half-hour, and although Bogdan Apostu equalised for 12th-placed Internaţional Curtea midway through the second period, Ciprian Deac then struck with 16 minutes remaining to secure the hosts the title.

Champions last term – a year after CFR's maiden success – Unirea can still catch Andrea Mandorlini's men on points as they have two fixtures remaining, including Monday's meeting with FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt. However, their rivals boast the better head-to-head record after wins in both their meetings this term.

CFR's reward for finishing first is a place in next season's UEFA Champions League group stage, and they will now look to repeat their 2008 feat of capturing the domestic double when they face SC Vaslui in the Romanian Cup final on 26 May.

CFR captain Cadú said: "Our triumph was managed thanks to our group's spirit. Now we want a big team as our opponent in the UEFA Champions League." Defender Cristian Panin added: "These are magnificent moments and I hope we will create such moments in the Champions League as well. We can achieve big things in the Champions League. We have the right to dream because we are champions."

Unirea, Vaslui, FC Timişoara and FC Steaua Bucureşti will now compete for second spot and a place in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round while the team finishing sixth in the league will earn a UEFA Europa League second qualifying round berth. FC Unirea Alba Iulia are the only team so far certain of relegation.