FCSB triumphed over Dinamo Bucharest with a 2-1 victory during the SuperLiga match held on February 23, 2025. The game took place at the iconic Arena Națională and delivered all the thrills expected from this local rivalry.
Dinamo's Stipe Perica struck first, scoring at the 18-minute mark, capturing the exhilaration of their supporters. Perica's well-placed header from close range initially set Dinamo on the path to victory. Yet, the lead was short-lived as FCSB’s Baba Alhassan equalized just two minutes later, expertly leveraging the chaos within the Dinamo defense to find the net.
The first half saw several missed opportunities from both sides, with Dinamo pressing aggressively but missing their chances to extend their lead. FCSB's goalkeeper, Târnovanu, had to make several saves early on, showcasing his skills and keeping the score level.
After the break, FCSB seized control of the match. Jordan Gele scored the game-winning goal at the 57th minute, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box. This goal not only underscored FCSB’s dominance but also demonstrated their tactical superiority as they adapted quickly after halftime.
Throughout the match, intense moments of tension arose, including disputed penalty claims from Dinamo, particularly when Perica sought a penalty following what he claimed was a handball by Siyabonga Ngezana. Referee István Kovács chose not to award the penalty, leading to frustration among the Dinamo players and fans.
The match was notable not only for the gameplay but also for the vibrant atmosphere created by both fan bases. A crowd of 30,157 filled the stadium, creating a spectacular backdrop for the derby. The tension between the supporters was palpable, as both groups displayed clever banners and messages aimed at each other, adding layers of competitive spirit beyond the scoreline.
Security during the match was also heightened, with Jandarmii (the gendarmerie) detaining four spectators attempting to smuggle pyrotechnics inside the stadium. This incident pointed out the continued struggle with fan disturbances during local derbies.
FCSB's head coach, Elias Charalambous, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of the derby for club loyalty and pride, stating, "We knew how much this match means for our supporters and we delivered." He highlighted his team’s resilience even amid injuries, reflecting on how the team managed to step up under pressure.
Meanwhile, Dinamo’s coach, Zeljko Kopic, highlighted the missed opportunities which could have significantly changed the match's outcome. He remarked, “It’s frustrating to lose this way, especially after getting off to such a strong start. We had chances to score and didn’t convert them.”
With this victory, FCSB climbed back to the top of the SuperLiga standings with 52 points, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the title. Dinamo, sitting at fifth with 45 points, faces challenges but remains hopeful for upcoming matches.
The two teams have met several times throughout their storied history, but FCSB has consistently outperformed Dinamo over recent seasons, continuing their winning streak. This latest encounter only reinforces their dominance and sets the tone for the rest of the season.
Fans eagerly anticipate the next meeting between these historic rivals, as both teams aim to improve their standings and continue delivering compelling football.