In a thrilling encounter on April 27, 2025, FCSB emerged victorious against Rapid Bucharest with a score of 2-1 at the Superbet Arena in Giulești, marking their first win at this venue in over a decade. The match, part of the Superliga play-off, saw FCSB consolidate their lead at the top of the table, now sitting six points clear of Universitatea Craiova.
The game kicked off with an explosive start, as FCSB’s Juri Cisotti found the back of the net just six minutes in. Following a beautiful assist from Adrian Șut, Cisotti struck from the edge of the box, leaving Rapid goalkeeper Horațiu Aioani with no chance. This early goal set the tone for the match, as FCSB quickly established dominance.
Despite the setback, Rapid began to find their rhythm. However, their first significant chance came in the 27th minute when a goal by Andrei Petrila was disallowed after a VAR review determined that teammate Florin Burmaz had committed a foul prior to the goal. The decision left the home fans in disbelief and frustration.
FCSB continued to control the game, and in the 42nd minute, Daniel Bîrligea doubled their lead. After a well-placed pass from David Miculescu, Bîrligea’s initial shot was saved, but he quickly followed up to score from close range, making it 2-0 at halftime.
As the second half commenced, Rapid made tactical changes, bringing on Gojkovic for Pașcanu in hopes of turning the tide. Just three minutes into the half, they managed to pull one back. A brilliant assist from Petrila found Norwegian striker Christensen, who slotted the ball past FCSB goalkeeper Andrei Târnovanu, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
With renewed energy, Rapid pressed for an equalizer, dominating possession and creating several chances. However, they were met with a resilient FCSB defense. A controversial moment arose in the 73rd minute when Târnovanu collided with Christensen in the box, leading to calls for a penalty from the Rapid players and supporters. Referee Radu Petrescu, however, ruled it a foul on the goalkeeper, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, and FCSB resorted to time-wasting tactics to maintain their lead. Rapid continued to push forward, but their efforts were thwarted by a disciplined FCSB backline. Despite a flurry of late attempts, including a close-range shot from Burmaz that was saved, Rapid couldn’t find the equalizer.
In the end, FCSB secured the win, solidifying their position at the top of the league with 42 points, while Rapid remains in sixth place with 28 points, facing an uphill battle for European qualification.
The match drew a crowd of 12,419 fans, all witnessing a fierce derby that highlighted the historical rivalry between the two clubs. Post-match, FCSB coach Elias Charalambous emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, "Details make the difference in a derby like this." Meanwhile, Rapid’s Marius Șumudică expressed his frustration with the officiating and the missed opportunities, insisting that his team still had the quality to compete at the top level.
As the season progresses, FCSB is now in a commanding position to claim the title, while Rapid must regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season and secure a spot in European competitions.
With the next round of matches approaching, fans are eager to see how both teams will respond. Can FCSB maintain their momentum, or will Rapid find a way to bounce back?
