We failed to collect points in the second round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs, suffering a 2–1 defeat away to Poli Timișoara in a match where we controlled possession and dictated play, but the key moments did not go our way.

We failed to collect points in the second round of the Women’s Superleague play-offs, suffering a 2–1 defeat away to Poli Timișoara in a match where we controlled possession and dictated play, but the key moments did not go our way.

We took the field at the Știința Stadium in Timișoara in spring-like conditions. Nombot Annabelle Natsi, Tereza Fuchsová and Demeter Réka were unavailable for this match.

The first half was balanced, with both teams relying on set pieces and quick transitions. The first major chance fell to Lindsey Porter, whose volley from seven metres was saved by the home goalkeeper. At the other end, Poli earned several corners, but Balog Boglárka and our defence stood firm.

In the 11th minute, however, Poli Timișoara were awarded a penalty after Ariana Marin went down inside the box. Laura Rus converted from the spot (1–0). After conceding, we took control and applied sustained pressure. Vlădulescu Ana struck the crossbar from close range, while Porter, Szőke and Vlădulescu also had opportunities, but the equaliser did not arrive before the break.

We responded quickly after halftime: Vlădulescu’s pass from the left was calmly finished by Jehona Shala into the bottom right corner (1–1). The goal gave us momentum and we continued to dominate.

In the 55th minute the hosts threatened again, but Ariana Marin’s effort went wide. At the other end, Geréd Erika came close to giving us the lead, but the finishing touch was missing.

In the 81st minute, another penalty was awarded to the hosts, converted by Nikoleta Kurja (2–1). We pushed forward in the closing stages, but could not find another equaliser and left Timișoara empty-handed.

After the match, head coach Szeitl Szilvia stated that the team did not deserve defeat.

– We did not deserve to lose this match. The penalty awarded against us is something that needs to be reviewed. I haven’t seen it back yet, but my player told me she touched the ball first, and I believe her. Still, the referee gave it – she said.

She emphasised that after equalising, the match was in our hands.

– You come back into the game. It’s 1–1, you have chances, opportunities to score, and then out of nowhere another similar penalty is given, where again the ball was touched first and then the player fell over. It’s very difficult to win when you’re practically not playing 11 against 11, but 11 against 14. But this is something we also have to learn – that away from home, decisions won’t go your way.

She added that there is no time to dwell on the result.

– It’s hard to accept and hard to process, but we don’t have much time because on Wednesday another big match awaits us at home against Farul. From now on we focus on winning that game, because with a victory we can recover these lost points – concluded Szeitl Szilvia.

The Women’s Superleague play-offs continue on Wednesday, March 18. We will host Farul Constanța at 14:00 at the Burus Csaba Sportpark.

Women’s Superleague, Play-offs, Round 2
Venue: Știința Stadium Timișoara.
Politehnica Timișoara–FK Csíkszereda 2–1 (1–0).
Scorers: Laura Rus (13 penalty), Nikoleta Kurja (82 penalty), Jehona Shala (46).
Yellow cards: Mitri Rita (36), Balázs Batki Máté (81.), Kis Anita (90+1).
Referees: Chiorean Raul Gabriel, Kopriva Zsolt, Kopriva Biró Tamás.

FK Csíkszereda: Balog Boglárka – Szőke Eszter (Kis Anita 77.), Vlădulescu Ana Maria, Lindsey Leigh Porter, Mitri Rita (Orbán Aranka 57.), Antal Anita (Fülöp Boglárka 77.), Hana My Rosenblatt, Balázs Eszter, Balázs Csilla, Geréd Erika, Jehona Shala. Head coach: Szeitl Szilvia.
Politehnica Timișoara: Roșu Cosmina – Jivan Anda Gabriela, Pîrșe Octavia, Nikoleta Kurja, Ariana Ioana Marin, Alexia Suba Surya Maria Matei (76), Laura Roxana Rus, Roxana Maria Dovîncescu, Anastasia Elena Grecu-Băiaș (Denisa Heisu 48), Bianca Andrada Corsei, Nadejda Colesnicenco. Head coach: Ștefan Ovidiu Preda.

László Orbán
Photo: Zoltán Pál (archive)