The highly anticipated match between FCSB and Dinamo Bucharest took place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 20:30, in the seventh stage of the Super League play-off. This thrilling encounter, dubbed the "Derby de România," was held at the iconic Arena Națională, with over 30,000 fans expected to fill the stands. Despite the rivalry, Dinamo's supporters were notably fewer this time, with only around 3,000 fans present to cheer for their team.
FCSB entered the match as the clear favorites, having dominated their recent encounters against Dinamo. They had won all five of their last meetings, including a 2-1 victory in March 2025 and a resounding 4-0 win in the Romanian Cup group stage in October 2024. The team, coached by Elias Charalambous, was looking to secure a crucial win to edge closer to their second consecutive title in the Superliga, sitting atop the standings with 42 points.
On the other hand, Dinamo, under the guidance of coach Zeljko Kopic, was battling to improve their sixth-place standing in the play-off with 30 points. They were eager to halt FCSB's dominance and avoid further relegation struggles.
The match kicked off with an electric atmosphere, as both teams exchanged early chances. FCSB's Bîrligea had a close call in the 15th minute, hitting the post with a powerful shot. However, it was Bîrligea who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute, scoring with a header following a superb cross from Cisotti. The home crowd erupted in celebration, sensing a pivotal moment in the match.
Just three minutes later, Octavian Popescu doubled FCSB's lead, scoring with a powerful shot after a well-placed assist from Mihai Popescu. The momentum was firmly with FCSB, and they continued to press for more goals. In the 37th minute, Popescu struck again, bringing the score to 3-0 with a well-executed finish.
As the first half drew to a close, FCSB showcased their attacking prowess, while Dinamo struggled to find their rhythm. Kopic acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We are prepared for this match. We have had good moments, especially in the last two matches, but they have always won. Now is a new opportunity, and we must learn from our mistakes and capitalize on theirs."
FCSB's dominance was evident, and their fans were in high spirits, cheering their team on as they aimed to maintain their impressive unbeaten streak against Dinamo. Charalambous had emphasized the importance of the match leading up to the game, insisting, "We cannot celebrate until we secure the title mathematically. What matters is winning this match against a strong opponent like Dinamo."
As the second half began, Dinamo sought to regroup and mount a comeback. However, FCSB's defense held firm, thwarting any attempts from Dinamo to penetrate their lines. Despite a few promising moments, including a shot from Selmani that went wide, Dinamo struggled to convert their chances into goals.
FCSB maintained their composure, controlling the game and looking for opportunities to extend their lead further. The match showcased the tactical acumen of Charalambous, who expertly managed his team’s transitions and maintained a solid defensive structure.
With the clock ticking down, Dinamo's hopes of a revival faded as FCSB continued to dominate possession. The final whistle blew, confirming a convincing 3-0 victory for FCSB, further solidifying their position at the top of the Superliga standings.
This match not only highlighted FCSB's current form but also raised questions about Dinamo's ability to compete at this level, as they now faced significant challenges in their remaining fixtures. Fans and analysts alike were left to ponder the implications of this derby result for both teams moving forward in the season.
Overall, the match was a testament to FCSB's strength and resilience, while Dinamo would need to regroup and reassess their strategies if they hoped to salvage their play-off campaign. The rivalry continues, but for now, FCSB reigns supreme in the capital.
