On March 2, 2025, the SuperLiga derby between Rapid București and FCSB offered not just thrilling football but also fierce rivalry between supporters, making it one for the history books.
The match, held at the Arena Națională, ended with both teams scoring zero — 0-0 — after Rapid held control at the beginning, only to see FCSB bounce back and dominate much of the game. A pivotal moment unfolded when FCSB's defender Joyskim Dawa was sent off with two yellow cards, one of which sparked debate among pundits and fans alike.
Throughout the first half, the atmosphere crackled with excitement as both sets of fans displayed creative and pointed banners aimed at each other. At one point, Rapid's supporters showcased messages like, “Ancorați la aceeași mentalitate ce ne-a călăuzit” and “Îndrăgostiți iremediabil de marele Rapid,” highlighting their unwavering loyalty to the club. Meanwhile, they aimed playful jabs at their rivals, including the controversial words, “Ne copiați repertoriul la indigo... Și pozați ca fetele pe site-uri la mișto.”
FCSB fans were not to be outdone. They unfurled their banner stating, “Educația voastră iremediabilă crează o atmosferă irespirabilă,” which inadvertently included a grammatical mistake; the correct word should have been “creează” instead of “crează.” Beyond the humor surrounding the banners, such errors often become talking points, intertwining with the match's electric ambiance.
Joyskim Dawa's expulsion came after he received two yellow cards within four minutes, the second for fouling Rapid’s Alexandru Dobre. Initially, Dawa escaped sanction for his first foul, allegedly against Elvir Koljic, when referee Radu Petrescu heeded assistant Radu Ghinguleac's warning. Marius Șumudică, the Rapid coach, alleged Petrescu has shown favoritism against Rapid and questioned why Petrescu had not officiated any of their previous games this season, saying, “De ce Radu Petrescu nu a fost delegat niciodată la meciurile Rapidului până acum?”
Rapid’s fans ignited the stadium with pyro displays, supporting their side with heartfelt passion. One of the more artistic endeavors included banners proclaiming “Original Ultras Rahova,” supported by thousands of colored cards symbolizing the team’s identity. This passionate scene was accompanied by explosive chants and flares, eleviating the experience above mere sport.
The match itself may have been scoreless, but it was anything but uneventful. Rapid entered the game with dominant expectation, but FCSB quickly recalibrated, dictiating play and creating opportunities. Cisotti nearly put FCSB on the board just before the half, proving how narrowly dynamics can shift within such high-stakes matches.
After Dawa’s ejection, questions arose whether the intensity witnessed during the derby was due to the game itself or the charged atmosphere each team cultivated among their respective supporter groups. The exchanges across the stands reflected not only local pride but also the competitive essence of Romanian football. The contrasts between the two teams and their galleries encapsulated the rich tradition of rivalry embedded within this sport.
Fans of FCSB made it clear they are not ones to shy away from some friendly banter—or not-so-friendly, as messages targeting their rivals rolled out amid the chants. The playful rivalry translated on pitch, as both teams pushed for dominance against the backdrop of their steadfast supporters fueling their energy.
With both clubs vying for title contention this season, and with fan dynamics playing such a prominent role, this latest derby undoubtedly lived up to its storied past. The excitement and drama witnessed on the field will resonate well beyond match-day, encompassing fans, players, and the legacy of Romanian football.
While the scoreboard might have remained blank, the real story of this encounter resonates deeply within the passions of those who witnessed it — and within the numerous messages traded back and forth between the stands. Every banner, chant, and moment of intensity during the match contributed another chapter to the vibrant narrative of Romanian football's fierce rivalries.