On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the highly anticipated match between FCSB and Rapid București concluded dramatically with a 3-3 draw, taking place at the legendary Arena Națională in Bucharest. This fierce derby marked the first stage of the Superliga play-off, showcasing intense competition and moments of remarkable skill from both teams.
FCSB initially took the lead through Daniel Bîrligea, who scored with a header after receiving a precise cross from Adrian Șut. This goal, netted in the 29th minute, set the tone for their first-half dominance. The action continued as Bîrligea and his fellow teammates, including Juri Cisotti and Florin Tănase, pushed to increase their lead. Indeed, they succeeded in extending the scoreline to 2-1, with Cisotti scoring just after halftime.
Despite this, Rapid București, managed by Marius Șumudică, countered adamantly. Denis Ciobotariu ensured the first half ended level at one goal apiece by scoring from the corner taken by Claudiu Petrila. Following FCSB's lead with Cisotti's goal, it was Alexandru Dobre's turn to shine, as he capitalized on a rapid counterattack, bringing Rapid level once again at 2-2. The eventful match saw Rapid go down to ten men when Andrei Borza received his second yellow card during the intense moments of the 72nd minute.
Yet, even with their numerical disadvantage, Rapid displayed remarkable tenacity. Ciobotariu netted his second goal of the match to give Rapid the lead for the first time, making it 3-2 at the 83rd minute. It appeared Rapid was on the verge of pulling off a stunning upset until Tănase restored parity once more for FCSB with his last-minute equalizer. The 90+4 minute goal sealed the draw, leaving FCSB sitting at third place with 29 points and Rapid at the bottom of the standings with 24 points.
After the match, tempers flared between players and officials. Marius Șumudică expressed his frustration with the host's behavior. Earlier he had remarked, "I told them they lost two points today, that's what I said. But I never said I play for CFR or Craiova. I play for Rapid București," when addressing rumors about him colluding with rival teams. His statements reinforced his commitment to his team and the championship fight.
Controversy did not end at the match's final whistle. Following the intense atmosphere, București’s Gendarmerie announced various sanctions. Three fans received one-year stadium bans due to inappropriate behavior, and FCSB was fined 10,000 lei due to violations of legal provisions during the match. A total of 12 contravention sanctions, amounting to 24,400 lei, were issued, including penalties against the security company responsible for the event.
Șumudică also highlighted the disturbing chants from FCSB's supporters during the match, calling for action. He stated, "It's incredible how they treated us with insults... Someone from their staff was put behind our goal to insult my players since the first minute," indicating feelings of intolerance about the match atmosphere. His call for the referee to halt the match due to ethnic slurs did not receive the attention he felt it deserved, showcasing the broader issues within football culture.
The backdrop of vibrant fan culture, competitive spirit, and the charged atmosphere culminated not just in what the scoreline reflected but in the emotions it ignited among players, fans, and officials alike. Spectators fueled this rivalry, contributing to the league's gripping nature. Even under scrutiny, matches like this highlight the need for addressing the darker aspects of fandom alongside the intense, dynamic play on the field.
With both teams hoping to improve their standings as the season continues, the next iterations of their rivalry will undoubtedly be monitored closely by supporters and officials alike. Regaining respect and sportsmanship will be as important as the results of future matches. FCSB and Rapid București's clash went beyond the final score; it showcased the intricacies of sportsmanship, rivalry, and the echoing need for respect on and off the pitch.
