Article by Robert Vîrdol – Published Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:21 p.m. / Updated Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:21 p.m.
Ovidiu Sabău (57 years old), former coach and player from U Cluj or Rapid, prefaced the duel between the two rivals in the Romanian SuperLiga. Rapid and U Cluj meet from 20:00 in the 24th round of the Romanian Superliga. The duel will be liveTEXT on GSP.ro, with real-time information from Giulesti, and live on Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1.
Rapid București has the chance to move to first place, at least until Sunday evening, if they prevail against U Cluj. Instead, the Transylvanians are fighting for a place in the play-offs, and a positive result could ensure their presence in the top six for at least one night.
Ioan Ovidiu Sabău, clear message before Rapid – U Cluj: “There is my soul”
In a dialogue with Gazeta Sporturilor, Ovidiu Sabău said what is the biggest advantage that Costel Gâlcă's team has, but also what U Cluj should do to get a favorable result in Giulesti.
“It will be a balanced match. U Cluj is a team in shape, and Rapid wants to stay up there. From a value point of view, they are about the same levelbut as Rapid plays at home, it has an advantage because it has the fans on its side. I can't say that one is a favorite; it all depends on the form and inspiration of the coaches and players.
Olimpiu Moruțan is one of the most valuable players in our championship. It surprises me that he didn't adapt abroad, being a footballer with real qualities. He is the most valuable player and an important footballer. It also depends on how motivated he is and what he wants for the team. It's important to have players who play for the team, after that comes personal goals.
Rapid wants the championship, having the necessary conditions. There is also Mr. Șucu, who gives balance, and that obliges you. Let's not forget the supporters, who also want the title. At the same time, U Cluj played good matches in Giulesti when I was the coach. We dominated the Rapid, had many chances and won most of the matches. U Cluj must have confidence and not consider themselves a team that leaves with a second chance.
I don't know if Rapid is the main favorite, but there are three teams there. In the play-offs there will be pressure, but some teams will be relaxed because this is their goal, and then they will play without pressure. Rapid, Dinamo and Craiova will be the teams that will carry the pressure on their shoulders. FCSB is far from the play-offs.
I was raised and educated at U Cluj; my feelings and emotions are related to the junior training there. It is the team to which my soul belongs. It is a beautiful city and has special supporters. My soul is at U Cluj”, said Ioan Ovidiu Sabău for Gazeta Sporturilor.
Rapid can take advantage of Dinamo's equaliser
Rapid, Dinamo and Craiova are the three teams fighting for the first position, but Giulești have an advantage at this moment. The dogs drew with Petrolul, score 1-1, and if Costel Gâlcă's team prevails against U Cluj, they will have a three-point lead over their rivals from Ștefan cel Mare and will occupy first place in the Superliga.
In the event of a victory, the rapid players will keep an eye on Sunday's match, between Farul Constanța and Craiova, because if the Olts do not win, the Cherries finish the 24th stage in the leader's seat.
