Dundalk conceded two late goals to Romanian champions CFR Cluj to lose their opening pre-season friendly in Spain.
Andy Boyle rose high to head the Lilywhites into a 26th minute lead from Michael Duffy's corner at the Oliva Nova Sports Center resort this afternoon.
However Cluj, who face Sevilla in the last 32 of the Europa League next month, restored parity in the 72nd minute through George Tucudian's finish beyond Gabriel Sava.
Then substitute Claudiu Petrila clinched victory for Dan Petrescu's outfit with three minutes remaining when he took aa pass from Damjan Djokovic pass to score.
Substitute Will Patching fell heavily on his shoulder and had to come off only seven minutes after replacing trialist Cammy Smith early in the second half.
Dundalk will meet CSKA Moscow on Friday as part of their pre-season preparations.
DUNDALK FC: Gary Rogers (Gabriel Sava 71); Sean Gannon (Sean Hoare 66), Daniel Cleary (Brian Gartland 59), Andy Boyle, Darragh Leahy (Dane Massey HT); Chris Shields (Jordan Flores 61), Greg Sloggett; Daniel Kelly, Cammy Smith (Will Patching 53) (John Mountney 59), Michael Duffy (Taner Dogan 66); Patrick Hoban (Georgie Kelly 60).
CFR CLUJ: Otto Hindrich; Denis Ciobotariu, Paulo Vinicius, Mike Cestor, Mihai Butean (Petrila Claudiu); Catalin Itu (Damjan Djokovic), Ovidiu Hoban (Sylla Yacouba), Adrian Paun (Aurelio Luis); Catalin Golofca (George Tucudian), Lacina Traore (Claudiu Petrila), Michael Pereira (Billei Omrani).
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