Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Friday, 06 February 2026 22:40 / Updated Friday, 06 February 2026 22:45
Alexandru Pașcanu (27 years old), the central defender from Rapid, scored in the Petrol derbyscore 1-1, and drew the conclusions at the end of the game in the 26th stage of the Super League.
After the draw in Giulești, in which he managed to score, just like in the match won by Rapid in the round, 1-0, Pașcanu drew attention to the match with CFR Cluj, in the Romanian Cup. His team needs a win to move on.
Alexandru Pașcanu, after Rapid – Petrolul: “A point worked”
“A hard earned point. We wanted the 3 points, we were playing at home. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. We have to recover quickly, on Tuesday I think we have the most important match of this season, against CFR.
I felt I was a bit at fault for their goal, it was a deflection on the first bar and it's very difficult, I didn't see the phase again. It's hard with Papp, especially when he jumps on your back. I didn't see if it was a foul, but I don't think it was, if nothing was given.
I think last year we were worried when we were 9-10 and wondering if we were going to make the playoffs or not. We are in a good moment, we have to enjoy the football and take advantage while we are up there. That's football, you can't win every game. If you won them all, you were in the Champions League.
You have opponents, they play too. You don't win every match, it's not an easy championship, it proves itself at every stage. I think focus is the same. We are aware that in Cluj only victory matters, and if we beat, we enter the quarters with a good chance of a trophy. It will be a very difficult match, they have 6-7 wins in a row, but we believe in our chances. It's going to be one on another,” said Alexandru Pașcanu, at Prima Sport.
It is normal for the coach to change the team a little, there are many matches every 3 days. We should not blame the lack of homogeneity, even if there are some new players. It doesn't have to be an excuse, we're at Rapid and we have to get used to the pressure.
I don't know if the match was sacrificed, especially in attack I don't think there is a reserve or starter, we are all of similar value. It's a tough time. We lost the last match in Cluj shamefully, but I think we have learned our lesson and we will prepare very well for that match.
Claudiu Petrila, left wing at Rapid
