On March 29, 2025, FC Botoșani faced off against Farul Constanța in a crucial match of the SuperLiga play-out, marking the second round of this tense phase of the season. The stakes were high for both teams, who were tied on points at 19, with Botoșani sitting in 11th place and Farul just behind in 12th. The match was broadcast live on Digi Sport 1 and Prima Sport 1, capturing the attention of football fans eager to see how this rivalry would unfold.
As the match kicked off at the Municipal Stadium in Botoșani, the home side quickly established their dominance. Just ten minutes in, Enriko Papa, known for his impactful return to the team, opened the scoring with a well-placed shot following a defensive blunder from Farul. The goal came after a misjudged clearance by G. Marins, allowing Papa to capitalize and net the ball into the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Not content with just one goal, Botoșani struck again shortly after, with Zoran Mitrov doubling the lead in the 16th minute. Mitrov received a precise pass inside the box and executed a stunning shot that found the top corner of the net, leaving Farul's goalkeeper, Buzbuchi, with little chance to respond. The early two-goal cushion set the tone for the rest of the match, with Botoșani looking to maintain their momentum.
Despite the early setbacks, Farul attempted to regroup. Coach Gheorghe Hagi had emphasized the importance of a complete performance, both defensively and offensively, prior to the match. However, with their recent form being less than stellar, having not won in the last four league matches, the pressure was mounting. Hagi remarked, "We need to be complete, both defensively and offensively, to bring points back from Botoșani." Unfortunately for Hagi, his strategies were not enough to turn the tide in this match.
The match saw its first yellow card in the 12th minute when V. Dican of Farul received a booking, a sign of the growing frustration within the visiting side. As the game progressed, Botoșani's defense held strong, showcasing their impressive form, having not conceded a goal in their last three matches prior to this encounter.
Leo Grozavu, Botoșani's coach, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, noting, "Since I came to Botoșani, I have not known defeat. It’s important to maintain our rhythm and not let any interruptions affect our game." His confidence was evident as Botoșani continued to press forward, looking to extend their lead further.
As the first half drew to a close, Farul struggled to find their footing. The team had previously celebrated a significant away victory against Dinamo on February 15, 2025, but that success felt distant as they faced Botoșani's relentless attack. Hagi's side needed to find a way to break through the home team's defense to have any hope of a comeback.
The second half began with Farul making tactical adjustments, but Botoșani remained resilient. The home side's defensive unit, led by Miron and Iacob, effectively stifled any attempts from Farul to gain momentum. Despite a few promising plays from Alibec and Ciobanu, the visitors found it challenging to penetrate Botoșani's organized defense.
With every passing minute, the pressure mounted on Farul, who faced the grim reality of having gone twelve matches without scoring in some instances. Botoșani, on the other hand, was riding high on confidence, having only suffered a single defeat in their last eight matches, a statistic that showcased their improvement under Grozavu's leadership.
As the final whistle blew, the score stood at 2-0 in favor of FC Botoșani. The victory not only bolstered their position in the league but also highlighted their impressive home record in 2025, remaining unbeaten at home. This match marked a significant step for Botoșani as they aimed to secure their place in the league amidst the ongoing relegation battle.
Following the match, Grozavu praised his team's performance, stating, "The team showed great character today. We need to keep our focus and build on this momentum as we move forward in the play-out stage." Meanwhile, Hagi acknowledged the challenges his team faced, saying, "We need to learn from this match and ensure we come back stronger. Every game is a new opportunity, and we must seize it."
This match not only served as a pivotal moment in the play-out stage but also as a reminder of the fierce competition in the SuperLiga, where every point counts. Botoșani's victory against Farul sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as the battle for survival continues.
