Article by Sergiu Alexandru – Published on Thursday, 23 April 2026 23:49 / Updated on Friday, 24 April 2026 00:06
Adrian Rusthe defender who saved Craiova University in the 118th minute of the match with Dinamo (1-1, 4-1 on penalties) and sent the Betano Romania Cup semi-final to penalty kicks, revealed he was one step away from being traded.
Olten's central defender was involved both in the Dynamo team's goal, scored by Boateng next to him, and in the equalizing goal, being the one who sent it into the goal, from 6 meters. Then, he was also one of those who scored in the shootout.
Rus was with tears in his eyes on the lawn at the end, in front of the Oltene gallery. In the flash interview, he revealed that he was one step away from being replaced by Coelho in extra time.
Adrian Rus, the man who saved Craiova University: “The coach wanted to change me”
“We are very happy, but, and it's a big gift, we play in the championship in a few days. We need to recover quickly because we want to win with FC Argeș.
Dinamo's goal came after a very well executed corner. I felt a hand on me, Boateng's. It was probably my mistake there too. But I'm glad we equalized. I had even told a colleague, after missing a very good opportunity, that I would score a goal. I felt I was going to score and I'm glad it happened.
The coach wanted to take me out, probably to rest me. He wanted it after the first half of overtime. But I told him “Leave me, because I feel very well!”“, said Adrian Rus at PrimaSport.
Dinamo is a very good team and we are a very good team. The referee managed the game very well. It was a beautiful atmosphere. We tried to impose ourselves from the first moment. We had some chances, clearer than them, but we lost our concentration in the important moments of the game. We conceded a goal from the fixed phase, we have to be more careful at these moments. In the end, I think we deserved the qualification, with all due respect to Dinamo
– Filipe Coelho, CSU Craiova coach
