FCSB and Hermannstadt kicked off the new Liga 1 season with a thrilling 1-1 draw at the iconic Steaua Stadium in Bucharest on July 12, 2025. In front of 6,029 passionate fans, the reigning Romanian champions were pushed to the limit by a determined Hermannstadt side that refused to back down.
The match unfolded as a tactical chess game in the first half, with both teams cautiously feeling each other out. Despite FCSB's statistical dominance early on, clear-cut chances were scarce. David Kiki thought he had broken the deadlock just before halftime, but his goal was disallowed by VAR for offside, leaving the scoreline at 0-0 at the break.
Reacting swiftly, FCSB's coach Elias Charalambous made three crucial substitutions during halftime, bringing on Adrian Șut, Marius Ștefănescu, and Juri Cisotti in place of Mihai Lixandru, Dennis Politic, and Darius Olaru. This shake-up was not only tactical but also a nod to upcoming Champions League commitments, as FCSB had recently beaten Inter Club d'Escaldes 3-1 in the first preliminary round.
Hermannstadt, led by Marius Măldărășanu, responded with their own triple substitution in the 66th minute, sending on Neguț, Kujabi, and Bejan. The changes paid immediate dividends. Kujabi, fresh off the bench, opened the scoring in the 75th minute with a precise header following a semi-volley pass from Silviu Balaure. It was a moment of brilliance that punished FCSB for lapses in concentration.
FCSB pressed hard to find an equalizer. The pressure nearly paid off when Ianis Stoica, who came on for Hermannstadt in the 80th minute, rattled the crossbar in the 90th minute. But the champions were not done yet. In the fourth minute of added time, 17-year-old Alexandru Stoian, who had just been introduced in the 83rd minute, rose spectacularly to meet a cross from Risto Radunovic and powered a diving header into the net, leveling the score at 1-1.
The late drama epitomized the intensity and unpredictability of Romanian top-flight football. FCSB's ability to salvage a point in such fashion was a testament to their resilience, especially given the absences of key players like Denis Alibec, Daniel Bîrligea, Joyskim Dawa, and Octavian Popescu. David Miculescu, who was doubtful due to a prior injury, also started but was substituted later in the match.
Coach Charalambous acknowledged the challenge ahead of the match, saying, "Hermannstadt is a strong team, as we saw last season when they reached the Cup final. That says everything about the opponent we are facing tomorrow. But we play at home. We've had a few matches under our belt in Europe and the Supercup, and I feel we are ready for a tough game. The only thing we want is to get the three points." His sentiments were echoed by Hermannstadt's Marius Măldărășanu, who emphasized his team's quality and ambition to compete for a playoff spot, stating, "We have quality players as well. We must play with confidence because that is what sometimes is missing. Everyone wants the playoff, but we have to work hard and deliver more."
The history between the two sides added another layer of intrigue. Prior to this encounter, FCSB and Hermannstadt had met 12 times in SuperLiga, with FCSB winning seven, Hermannstadt two, and three matches ending in draws. Notably, Hermannstadt was the only team to take four points from FCSB in the previous season's regular campaign, including a 2-0 home win and a 1-1 draw in Bucharest.
The match's ebb and flow saw several notable moments. FCSB's goalkeeper Târnovanu made crucial saves, including denying a powerful free-kick from Silviu Balaure and a header from Miculescu. Hermannstadt’s goalkeeper Căbuz was equally heroic, clearing a ball off the line after a corner and pulling off a stunning save from Cisotti’s header. Defensive errors and moments of brilliance punctuated the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
After the final whistle, FCSB’s Adrian Șut required medical attention due to an injury, highlighting the physical toll of such a fiercely contested match. The draw leaves both teams with a single point in the early SuperLiga standings, alongside other teams like UTA Arad and Universitatea Craiova, who also drew 3-3 earlier the same day.
Looking ahead, FCSB will travel to face Petrolul Ploiești, while Hermannstadt prepares to host newly promoted Metaloglobus, who lost their opener 4-1 to Universitatea Cluj. For FCSB, the season continues to be a balancing act between domestic ambitions and European aspirations, as they seek to defend their title and make an impact in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
In sum, the season opener at Ghencea was a microcosm of Romanian football’s competitive spirit — a blend of tactical adjustments, youthful exuberance, and last-minute heroics. Alexandru Stoian’s late equalizer not only secured a point but also announced the arrival of a promising talent eager to make his mark on the big stage. As the Liga 1 season unfolds, both FCSB and Hermannstadt will look to build on this hard-fought draw and push for greater success.
