Article by Ovidiu Ioanițoaia – Published Monday, June 01, 2026, 10:43 / Updated Monday, June 01, 2026 10:43
Although defeated in the tie for the Conference League, that's right, at the limit and after overtime, Dinamo had the technical data on its side: 65% possession (Wyscout), 13-9 on shots, 5-4 on goal, etc. And yet, despite the statistics, FCSB left the impression that it is more in control, more balanced and more realistic. Even more valuable. That's why his success, whether it was achieved in extremis, with a goal scored in the 107th minute, did not shock us. I'd say I'm not even surprised.
To be more clear, I consider that the FCSB team defeated the Dinamo team mainly through experience, through cold blood. I drew this conclusion by analyzing the changes made by the two coaches during the match.
If Marius Baciu called on Thiam (31), M. Lixandru (25), A. Duarte (28) or Ofri Arad (27), the author of the decisive goal, Zeljko Kopic introduced, in the absence of other options, the young Tarbă (19), Duțu (20) and Caragea (20). This logically resulted in an increase in experience in favor of FCSB.
In parentheses, let it be said, I wouldn't be in a hurry to rate Baciu, let's see him again.
But that doesn't stop me from noticing that FCSB's new coach proved inspired and courageous the moment he sent Arad on in the 104th minute. Although his “background” and the patron's reservations did not recommend the Israeli as a possible savior. On the contrary, he seemed to forget about “and others”.
Friday evening, on the Arc de Triomphe, what we knew was reconfirmed. That Dinamo has staff problems and, concretely, blames the lack of a pushed top. Of the box striker. In order to score, George Pușcaș was brought in, so he, unluckily, got injured on the eve of the derby.
Of course bad luck can be invoked, but I'm afraid we can also talk about the negligence of the management, about the superficiality of some shareholders who didn't understand in time, or didn't understand at all, that a team with continental sails can't stand at the hands of a single professional. And of one always late for training, more often in the infirmary than in the locker room!
Some will retort that FCSB was also left without Bîrligea, absent for a long period. Correct, except that the ex-champion, having a large lot, found solutions to replace the holder with Oct. Popescu, Al. Stoian or Thiam. Kopic's attempts with Soro and Armstrong, moved from the middle or from the lane, did not bear fruit. Things got so complicated that some players, used match after match, reached the end of their strength, exhausted. The same Armstrong complained on behalf of everyone.
However, the Scot was right to declare that Dinamo deserved more after a season that ended in a remarkable 4th place. However, he did not mean, to the regret of the red-white gallery (who chose the wrong moment not to encourage the team at the start of the meeting at the Arc!), the presence in the Conference League. Where will the formation on 8 evolve, I avoid reopening the discussion regarding the strangeness of a regulation that, good or bad, certainly bad, should be respected.
I agree with Olaru that, despite the qualification in the Conference, FCSB disappointed in the season just finished, “It's like I don't even feel like being happy!”, but Dinamo, if they want to be in Europe, must realize that they need reinforcements. Enthusiasm helps, but even more so does value. And in football it is valid that everyone sleeps as he sleeps.
