Ararat-Armenia and Universitatea Cluj play out goalless draw in UEFA Conference League second round first leg

Yerevan-based Ararat-Armenia played out a 0-0 draw against Romanian side Universitatea Cluj in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League. The match, held in Armenia, did not determine a winner, leaving everything to play for in the return leg scheduled for July 31 in Cluj.

Two players made their European debuts for Ararat-Armenia: Armenia U21 captain Misak Hakobyan and senior national team forward Arayik Eloyan.

The match was evenly contested, with a slight edge for Ararat-Armenia. The Armenian club had more shots (12 vs. 7) and slightly more possession (53% to 47%). However, there were few truly dangerous moments.

Ararat-Armenia also appeared physically better prepared — a factor that could be decisive in the return leg. Notably, Universitatea Cluj will play a domestic league match on July 28, while Ararat-Armenia will have a full week to prepare.

Ararat-Armenia lineup:
Bruno Pinto — Kamo Hovhannisyan, João Queirós, Junior Bueno, Edgar Grigoryan — Karen Muradyan (93′ Malis), Juan Balanta, Armen Ambartsumyan (62′ Tera) — João Marcos Lima (93′ Eloyan), Jirair Shagoyan (82′ Misak Hakobyan), Matthew Gbomadu (62′ Duarte).

Meanwhile, in a parallel match between potential next-round opponents, Kazakhstan's Aktobe defeated Czech side Sparta 2-1.

Another Armenian club, Pyunik, beat Hungarian team Győr 2-1 earlier today.

Manuel Tulipa after draw with Universitatea Cluj: "We can get past them"