The match between Corvinul Hunedoara and Rapid, part of Round 2 of Group A in the Betano Romanian Cup, concluded in a 0-0 draw.
Currently, Group A sees three teams tied on points: UTA Arad, Rapid, and Corvinul, each with 4 points. There is still one match left in this round, featuring Minerul Lupeni against Poli Timișoara.
In the final stage of group play, Rapid will host UTA Arad, while Corvinul Hunedoara will visit Poli Timișoara. FC Botoșani, already out of contention, travels to face Lupeni.
Rapid will guarantee advancement to the quarter-finals with a victory over UTA. A draw will suffice for them, but only if neither Corvinul nor Poli Timișoara wins their direct matchup, assuming the “viola” team secures victory against Lupeni tomorrow.
Should Rapid lose to UTA, they will remain on 4 points, leaving their chances of advancement dependent on other match results.
Cezar Titor’s Review of Corvinul Hunedoara vs. Rapid 0-0: Open Wounds Persist, Qualification Decided in Final Round
After the shock defeat in the derby against FCSB, Daniel Pancu seemed reluctant to have anyone on the field who still carried memories from the National Arena. Beyond the impact of the loss, physical factors also played a role since Rapid is scheduled to return to league play on Friday.
“The team under the furnaces” began the match more strongly, seemingly wrapped in the aura of a side that understands the magic of the Romanian Cup, a competition they have previously won even while in lower divisions.
Rapid is also a historical contender in this tournament, with a total of 13 trophies. The city of Petroșani has its own glorious tale associated with the Cup, having seen Jiul lift the trophy in 1974 after a final against Poli Timișoara, highlighted by two goals from the late Gigi Mulțescu, along with players like Mihai Stoichiță and Petre Libardi, after whom the stadium is named.
Match Progression
Corvinul started the match strongly, while Rapid’s reserves were largely absent in the first 15 minutes. Fabry attempted two long-range shots before missing another opportunity from close range after a blunder by goalkeeper Marian Aioani.
Florin Maxim’s squad displayed confidence throughout the first half, controlling the field and presenting more threats, including a chance from Pîrvulescu in the 40th minute, who evaded Ciobotariu and was denied by Aioani’s save, followed by a missed close-range effort from Fabry two minutes later.
On the bench, Pancu appeared perplexed by the unfolding events, as Jambor struggled with finishing one of Rapid’s few opportunities, while Grameni’s shot from the edge of the box lacked precision.
The second half saw a similar pattern, with the hosts continuing to press forward.
Aioani made a crucial save in the 53rd minute after a close-range shot from Corvinul. However, Pîrvulescu’s well-aimed shot just missed the target fifteen minutes later.
As the match neared its conclusion, Rapid began to show more urgency in attack. In the 71st minute, following a well-constructed move, Grameni found himself in a promising position but only managed to hit the side netting from a tight angle.
Nine minutes later, Rapid squandered their best opportunity of the second half: a superb cross from Petrila found Jason Kodor, who leaped brilliantly but miscalculated his header, sending it over the bar.
The match ended 0-0, with qualification hinging on the final round. Rapid will host UTA while Corvinul travels to Poli Timișoara, and FC Botoșani heads to Minerul Lupeni, who will face Timișoara tomorrow.
FINAL SCORE: Corvinul 0-0 Rapid
Key moments included: 80th minute – Great chance for Rapid, Kodor’s header goes over the bar; 71st minute – Another opportunity for Rapid, Grameni’s shot hits the side netting; 68th minute – Pîrvulescu narrowly misses the target.
In the last minutes, the match lacked clear chances. 53rd minute – Aioani made an excellent save; 42nd minute – Giuleșteni faced problems during a series of corners.
40th minute – Pîrvulescu’s shot is saved by Aioani; 29th minute – Rapid began to create threats in the opponent’s half; 25th minute – Rapid’s first notable offensive move was a shot by Grameni saved by Frănculescu.
18th minute – Fabry missed a good opportunity after a mistake by Aioani; and the match started with 4,362 spectators present at the Petroșani arena.
Starting Lineups for Corvinul vs. Rapid:
Corvinul Hunedoara (4-2-3-1): Frănculescu – Iacob, Manolache, Ivancevic, Neacșa – Roger, Cărăruș – M. Bratu, Fabry, Pîrvulescu – Yeboah. Substitutes: C. Sandu – Abualnadi, Dr. Albu, Espinosa, Gillard, Apur, Ribeiro, Goodlad, R. Deaconu. Coach: Florin Maxim.
Rapid (3-4-3): Aioani – Kumer, Ciobotariu, Sinyan – Manea, Bubanja, Grameni, Annan – R. Pop, Jambor, Petrila. Substitutes: Ungureanu – Kramer, Onea, A. Șucu, Dobre, Sălceanu, Moruțan, Doumbia, Kodor. Coach: Daniel Pancu.
Venue: “Petre Libardi” (Petroșani – Hunedoara). Referee: Iulian Călin (Argeș). Assistant Referee 1: Nicușor Florentin Marin (Argeș). Assistant Referee 2: Cosmin Vătămanu (București). Reserve Referee: George Cătălin Roman (Timiș). Observer: Nicolae Grigorescu (Timiș). VAR Referee: Iulian Dima (București). AVAR Referee: Stelian-Constantin Slabu (Brașov).
