On 6 July 2019, Mățan played the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 victory over CFR Cluj for the season's Supercupa României. He subsequently participated in five of the following six games, starting all of them, which included both legs of his team's 7–5 aggregate loss to Gent in the second qualifying round of the Europa League. He was then sent on a loan for the remainder of the season to fellow league club Voluntari, amassing 25 games and netting once during his stint.[3][4]
Mățan registered his first CONCACAF Champions League game 11 days later, a 2–2 home draw with Mexican side Monterrey. Playing mainly as a left winger, he totaled 30 matches in all competitions during his first season in Columbus, starting in only nine of them and failing to score.
Loan to Rapid București
After falling down the pecking order for the Columbus Crew and featuring for the reserve team, Mățan was sent on a five-month loan to Rapid București on 9 August 2022, with the loan also including a purchase option.[7][8] He made his debut for "the White-Burgundies" four days later, in a 1–0 away derby loss to Petrolul Ploiești.
On 23 December 2022, it was announced that Mățan's loan ended, with the player having made only six appearances due to a stress fracture suffered on his toe.[9]
Return to Columbus Crew
Mățan returned to Columbus at the start of 2023, after Rapid București did not trigger the purchase option in his loan.[10] On 18 March, he scored his first goal for the Crew in a 2–1 league loss to New York Red Bulls.[11]
A diminutive playmaker, Mățan is typically deployed as an attacking midfielder, although he occasionally takes on the role of a left winger. As a left winger, he often cuts inside towards the center of the pitch, making use of his stronger right foot for dribbling and showcasing his flair. Moreover, he maintains a commendable work rate, contributing effectively to both offensive and defensive phases of the game. Mățan exhibits above-average dribbling skills, along with notable speed and agility.[5][15][16]
