On a lively evening in Bucharest, Rapid București delivered a commanding 3-1 victory over Farul Constanța, igniting their Superliga campaign and thrusting them to the summit of the league standings—at least for now. The match, played on October 4, 2025, in front of an energetic home crowd, saw captain Alex Dobre steal the show with a superb brace, further fueling anticipation for the upcoming derby against archrivals Dinamo.
The stakes were high heading into this 12th round clash of the 2025/2026 Superliga season. Rapid, under the guidance of Costel Gâlcă, knew that three points could temporarily lift them above Universitatea Craiova, setting the stage for a tense battle at the top. Farul, coached by Cristi Sava, arrived with hopes of shaking off their away-day blues, having managed just one win on the road this season—a surprise triumph over FCSB at Arena Națională.
From the opening whistle, referee Szabolcs Kovacs kept a close eye on proceedings. Rapid lined up with Aioani in goal, flanked by Manea, Pașcanu, Kramer, and Bădescu at the back. The midfield trio of K. Keita, Gojkovic, and Christensen provided the engine, while the attacking trio—Dobre, Koljic, and Petrila—looked to unlock Farul’s defense. Farul countered with Buzbuchi between the sticks, supported by Șîrbu, Larie, Țîru, Ganea, and a midfield anchored by Vînă, Dican, and Radaslavescu, with Grigoryan, Ișfan, and Tănasă up front.
It didn’t take long for the home side to make their mark. In the 10th minute, Rapid’s pressure paid off. Petrila launched a diagonal shot from the edge of the box, the ball deflecting off a Farul defender and falling kindly for Dobre. The Rapid captain, ever alert, dived in with a header that left Buzbuchi rooted to the spot. The stadium erupted—what a start for the Giulești faithful!
Farul tried to respond, with Vînă’s long-range effort drawing a spectacular save from Aioani. Yet, Rapid’s defense held firm, absorbing pressure and looking to strike on the counter. As the first half drew to a close, both sides had their moments, but it was Dobre’s clinical finishing that separated the teams.
After the break, the match continued at a high tempo. Farul pressed forward, eager to level the score. Their persistence paid off when Vînă, receiving a clever pass from Grigoryan, fired a lofted shot into the top corner from just inside the box. The equalizer was met with a collective sigh from the Rapid supporters, who had seen their team struggle to close out games at home in recent weeks.
But Rapid were not to be denied. In the 67th minute, they won a corner. Petrila’s delivery was inch-perfect, and Dobre—escaping his marker—rose highest to power a header goalward. The ball brushed off the back of a Farul defender before nestling in the net. The captain’s second of the night restored Rapid’s advantage and sent the crowd into a frenzy. Dobre’s leadership and knack for big moments were on full display, a fact not lost on his teammates or the home fans.
Koljić added a third for Rapid, sealing the result with a composed finish after a well-worked team move. Farul, despite flashes of attacking intent, couldn’t find a way back. The final whistle from Kovacs confirmed Rapid’s 3-1 win, a vital boost ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
After the match, the celebration was as passionate as the performance. The Rapid players made their way to the stands, joining their supporters in a raucous post-match party. Alex Dobre, the night’s hero and captain, led the chants—his voice echoing through Giulești as he directed some pointed words toward Dinamo, Rapid’s next opponents. The rivalry between the two clubs is legendary, and with both teams in fine form, the upcoming derby promises fireworks.
Dobre’s journey to Rapid has its own twist of fate. Just a year ago, Dinamo had courted him with a lucrative offer: a 100,000-euro signing bonus and an 18,000-euro monthly salary. Yet, negotiations soured when Dinamo’s revised offer dropped to just 8,000 euros per month with no signing bonus. Dobre, unimpressed, chose Rapid instead—a decision that now looks inspired as he leads his side from the front.
The anticipation for the October 19 derby at Arena Națională is reaching fever pitch. Already, 6,000 tickets have been snapped up, with organizers expecting a crowd of 30,000 under the lights. The stakes could hardly be higher: as of early October, Rapid and Dinamo sit near the top of the Superliga table, separated by a mere two points. Both clubs have claimed three wins in their last five matches, setting the stage for a showdown that could have serious implications for the title race.
Coach Costel Gâlcă, reflecting on the victory and the challenges ahead, said before the match, "From my point of view, we have to play a perfect game, both offensively and defensively, because Farul is an aggressive team that always looks for depth when they have the ball. The most important thing is the three points, to play well and for everyone to enjoy after the game. The points are crucial, considering how tight the standings are at the top." Gâlcă also acknowledged the mounting fixture congestion and injury concerns, noting that Cupa României remains a key target for the club.
Farul’s coach, Cristi Sava, was gracious in defeat but remained focused on his team’s objectives. "We have a club goal: qualification in the top six, so into the play-off. Against Rapid, we’re fighting for three points. I hope we put on a good performance and show great fighting spirit, just like in the last game. Both Rapid and Farul are clubs built to have an extraordinary spirit. I hope our players show that on the pitch, and may the best team win," he remarked before kickoff.
Historically, these encounters have produced drama and quality. Back in February, Rapid also triumphed 3-1 over Farul in Constanța, with goals from Dobre, Koljić, and Petrila. The current campaign, however, is shaping up to be even more unpredictable, with the top of the table tightly packed and every point fiercely contested.
While Rapid’s home form has been inconsistent—just two wins at Giulești so far this season, alongside draws with CFR Cluj and FCSB and a last-gasp defeat to Hermannstadt—this victory could mark a turning point. Farul, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address their away struggles as the season unfolds.
As the dust settles on this latest chapter, Rapid fans can savor a night to remember. With Alex Dobre in scintillating form, the team’s spirit sky-high, and a blockbuster derby on the horizon, the excitement in Bucharest is palpable. The Superliga title race is heating up, and Rapid have thrown down the gauntlet—now, all eyes turn to Arena Națională and the next act in this captivating saga.
