On April 23, 2025, FC Hermannstadt pulled off a thrilling victory against Rapid București, winning 2-1 in the semifinals of the Romanian Cup at the Municipal Stadium in Sibiu. This hard-fought match saw Hermannstadt advance to the final for the first time in seven years, igniting celebrations among the home fans.
With an official attendance of 10,000 spectators, the atmosphere was electric as both teams took to the field, eager to secure a spot in the coveted final. Hermannstadt, managed by Marius Măldărășanu, fielded a strong lineup, including goalkeeper Muțiu and key players such as Tiago Goncalves and Ianis Stoica. Rapid, under the guidance of Marius Șumudică, aimed to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing recent performance.
The match kicked off at 19:30, and it didn't take long for the action to heat up. In the 8th minute, Hermannstadt’s Biceanu nearly opened the scoring, hitting the post with a powerful effort. However, it was Tiago Goncalves who made the breakthrough in the 16th minute. After a perfectly executed cross from Balaure, Goncalves finished with precision, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Despite trailing, the Rapid fans remained hopeful, chanting, "Rapid București, adu Cupa în Giulești," as they rallied behind their team. However, the players struggled to respond on the pitch. One of the key moments came in the 49th minute when Rapid’s Onea almost scored an own goal, narrowly avoiding disaster.
As the match progressed, Rapid began to find their rhythm. Their first significant chance came in the 64th minute, but Petrila's shot sailed over the bar. The pressure mounted on Hermannstadt as they sought to maintain their lead, and in the 78th minute, Sergiu Buș missed a golden opportunity to double the advantage, shooting wide from close range.
With time running out, Rapid equalized in the 84th minute through Borisav Burmaz, who capitalized on a rebound after Christensen hit the post. The goal sent a wave of relief through the Rapid supporters, and the match appeared destined for extra time.
However, Hermannstadt had other plans. In a dramatic turn of events, Murgia unleashed a shot in the dying moments of the match, which was parried by Rapid’s goalkeeper Aioani. The rebound fell perfectly for Buș, who made no mistake, scoring the decisive goal in the 90+5 minute to seal the 2-1 victory for Hermannstadt.
This thrilling finish not only secured Hermannstadt's place in the final but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the team. Coach Măldărășanu expressed his pride in the players, stating, "We gave it our all, and it paid off. The boys showed great character to fight until the very end." The victory marks a significant achievement for Hermannstadt, who will now prepare for the final against the winner of the upcoming semifinal between CFR Cluj and Farul Constanța.
As the players celebrated on the pitch, the fans erupted in cheers, chanting in unison and waving flags in support of their team. This victory is a testament to Hermannstadt's growth as a club and their ambitions for the future. With the final on the horizon, the excitement is palpable as they look to capture the Romanian Cup title.
Looking ahead, Hermannstadt will need to maintain their focus and intensity as they prepare for the final showdown. The club's management has hinted at potential changes in the squad for the upcoming season, with key players like Tiago Goncalves attracting interest from abroad. "We have offers for Goncalves and Stoica, and we need to be prepared for whatever comes next," said Claudiu Rotar, a spokesperson for the club.
The journey to the final has been a remarkable one for Hermannstadt, who have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament. Fans are hopeful that this momentum will carry them through to victory in the final, bringing home the trophy they have long sought after.
As for Rapid, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. Coach Marius Șumudică acknowledged the challenges faced by his team, stating, "We had our chances, but we couldn't capitalize. We need to regroup and focus on our league campaign now." The players will have to learn from this experience as they aim to finish the season strong.
In conclusion, FC Hermannstadt's thrilling 2-1 victory over Rapid București in the Romanian Cup semifinal has set the stage for an exciting final. With their eyes set on the trophy, Hermannstadt fans can look forward to what promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the tournament.
