Article by Eduard Apostol – Published Saturday, January 31, 2026, 09:32 / Updated Saturday, January 31, 2026 09:33
In the rush for 1st place, even for one morning, Dinamo forgot last night that they had to beat Petrol. It was only 1-1. Both Zeljko Kopic and Eugen Neagoe are right when they praise themselves, i.e. their own team, for the game they played.
A result that wakes up the “dogs” and can be auspicious. At least as important as a win, if not more so. Here's why, my opinion.
– Dinamo realizes, thus, that it cannot get drunk on cold water – and it is very cold in the Capital this weekend – and it cannot win only if it appears on the pitch with 80s shirts. Gone are the days when the opponents were scared at the sight of the “dogs” logo and were impressed by the red-white line of the equipment. Relaxation is expensive and makes the difference between winners and losers. Among those who take selfies with the trophy and those who think of “what if..“.
– The mentality of the winner takes shape over time. It is hard to form. Day by day. In moments of balance. Not only if you don't lose with FCSB in a season and take 4 out of 6 points, if you impose respect on Craiova, if you turn the CFR and score goals against Csikszereda and Metaloglobus. Successes, trophies/qualification in European cups, are won (also) in matches with attrition opponents and (especially) when you think you can win just by showing presence on the field. And pushed from behind by some fans hungry for glory.
– Dinamo has (still) reached the 1st place, but it's harder to stay there! It is not possible to rely only on the wand of the master-trainer and without making transfers. Serious. Bringing players to fight in the present, not some illusory future. You can reach the play-offs or the podium in record time, with attitude, with hei-rup, but the difference is made by the details. A striker, if possible two, who can score goals, a razor-sharp defense, a steely midfielder – if possible and a goalkeeper who puts the opponents in depression like Lobby “One” was all the better -, serious transfers. For money, not for blah-blahs. Of football, not of matchday experience.
– Until the construction of the stadium in the heart of the Capital, the supporters must find their way to the house of exile where Dinamo will be. No matter that it is the National Arena, that it is on “Arc”, in Sibiu, in Cluj or in Cuca Măcăii. If they, the supporters, are Dinamo, then Dinamo must be seen, heard and felt! Either good weather or bad weather.
– A 1-1 with Petrolul, in Bucharest, is no longer a semi-tragedy like the same result from two years ago, with a similar display. Then Dinamo was trying not to die, now they dream of caviar and champagne. The anger and frustration in the eyes of many players, in front of the gallery and after the game, denotes that the semi-failure has hit where it hurts. In pride. A first step forward. And a step back for Boateng, who, at the end of the match, was too nonchalant for a bitter equal. Maybe they should put the discussions on tens of thousands of euros per month on hold and show – not only to the “dogs”, but also to possible future employers – why they deserve to ask for a top salary.
