In a thrilling finish at the Municipal Stadium in Sibiu, Hermannstadt defeated Rapid Bucharest 2-1 in the semifinals of the Romanian Cup on April 23, 2025, securing their place in the final for only the second time in club history. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Hermannstadt taking an early lead, Rapid fighting back, and a dramatic last-minute goal sealing the victory for the home team.
The game started with both teams showing caution, but it was Hermannstadt who struck first. In the 16th minute, Tiago Goncalves pounced on a perfect cross from Silviu Balaure, firing a first-time shot past Rapid goalkeeper Marian Aioani to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal came as a result of a well-executed play, showcasing Hermannstadt's attacking prowess.
Despite Hermannstadt's early advantage, Rapid struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. The visitors failed to register a single shot on target before the break, leaving their coach Marius Șumudică visibly frustrated. Rapid's best chance came in the 31st minute when Claudiu Petrila’s free-kick sailed over the bar, a missed opportunity that would haunt them later.
As the second half unfolded, Rapid appeared to wake up from their slumber, but their efforts were still met with a solid defensive performance from Hermannstadt. The home side, under the guidance of coach Marius Măldărășanu, managed to maintain their composure and control the game effectively, even as Rapid increased their attacking intensity.
However, the game took an unexpected turn in the 86th minute. After a long period of pressure, Rapid finally found the back of the net. Borisav Burmaz equalized with a fortunate goal after a sequence of deflections. His shot came after Tobias Christensen's powerful attempt hit the crossbar and ricocheted off Aioani, allowing Burmaz to tap in from close range. The Rapid fans erupted, believing they had salvaged a draw and were on the brink of forcing extra time.
But the drama was far from over. Just when it seemed the match would end in a stalemate, Hermannstadt delivered a final blow in the dying minutes. In the 90+4 minute, Sergiu Buș scored the decisive goal, capitalizing on a rebound after Aioani failed to handle a corner kick properly. The ball fell kindly to Buș, who slotted it home from just a few meters out, sending the home crowd into raptures.
This victory marks Hermannstadt's second appearance in the Romanian Cup final, having previously reached the final in 2020, where they were defeated by Universitatea Craiova. Coach Măldărășanu expressed his pride in the team's performance, stating, "This is the most important match for Hermannstadt on our new Municipal ground. We fought hard, and the players showed great determination to win this match and reach the final."
On the other hand, the defeat leaves Rapid's hopes for silverware this season dashed. Currently sitting 6th in the league with 28 points, their only path to European competition now hinges on their league performance, as they trail behind CFR Cluj, who occupy the play-off spot with 34 points. Marius Șumudică, visibly disappointed, lamented the format of the Cup, noting, "We had to play this match without a second leg to fall back on. It’s tough to lose like this, especially when we fought so hard to come back.”
The final of the Romanian Cup is set to take place on May 14, and Hermannstadt will eagerly await their opponent, which will be determined in the other semifinal clash between CFR Cluj and Farul Constanța, scheduled for April 24, 2025.
As the dust settles on this dramatic encounter, Hermannstadt can celebrate their hard-fought victory while Rapid must regroup and refocus for the challenges ahead. With the stakes high and their season on the line, the next few weeks will be crucial for both clubs as they aim to achieve their respective goals.
