The Elite League play-offs have begun for all four of our academy teams, with our sides showing highly promising form in the opening round. Our round-up brings you all the key information, statistics and standings.

The Elite League play-offs have begun for all four of our academy teams, with our sides showing highly promising form in the opening round. Our round-up brings you all the key information, statistics and standings.

Our academy teams opened the play-offs with three wins and one defeat. The U18s claimed an away victory against Dinamo, the U17s suffered a narrow defeat in Bucharest, the U16s secured all three points against Botoșani, while our U15 side defeated Juniorul Bucharest, who had finished the regular season unbeaten at the top of their group. Our pre-academy teams also recorded victories in Bacău, with the U14s scoring seven goals and the U13s an impressive fourteen.

The play-off standings reflect the positions after the opening round and include points carried over from the regular season.

U18

Our U18 side began the Youth League play-offs with an away victory. Bota Darius gave us the lead against SC Dinamo 1948 in the 32nd minute. After the hosts equalised, Bódi Lehel scored the winning goal in the 78th minute. Following the opening round, we sit second in the standings.

Head coach Goran Kopunović highlighted the tactical nature of the encounter and his players' attitude:

– Now we're in the play-offs, and this is the real competition. I repeat, this is a very strong league, and we've only just started playing in it. We'll be facing very strong teams and very big clubs. Today's match was a tactical battle, an extremely serious tactical battle. It was a very physical, hard-fought game, a real league contest. We faced a very, very good opponent. I want to congratulate our opponents, because we really did beat an excellent team.

The coach reserved his greatest praise for his players' performance in Bucharest.

– But let me say again that, above all, I congratulate my players. What they showed today and the way they played – with heart, passion, commitment and determination – was truly exemplary. There were periods when we also played very good football. We scored two goals, two beautiful goals.

Following their winning start, the U18s face a cup fixture before preparing for their next league challenges.

– I think we've started this competition well, but I repeat: we move on as if nothing has happened. We already face Argeș on Wednesday, the cup competition is starting, and we need to earn points there as well. After that, there will be a short break, during which we'll certainly work extremely hard. We keep going with humility. Today was a good, hard-fought match, a real test to see where the players stand and where we are as a team. But once again, nothing extraordinary has happened. My players gave me a very good performance, and I'm genuinely proud of them. I congratulate them wholeheartedly.

SC Dinamo 1948–FK Csíkszereda 1–2 (0–1)

Youth League, play-offs, Round 1; October 18, 12:00 PM, B.D.I Sport Arena, Dobroești.

Our goalscorers: Bota Darius (32'), Bódi Lehel (78').

FK Csíkszereda, starting XI: Deáky Zsombor – Miara Dominik, Kertész Márk, Bódi Lehel, Bota Darius, Máthé Apor (captain), Cătrinoi Cornea Sebastian, Tóth-Pál Milán, Bíró Artur, Tóth-Pál Előd, Osvat Darius. Substitutes: Covaciu Roland, Ilyés Máté, Szakács Tamás, Orbán Márton, Baior Darius, Prezsmer Victor, Marian Robert. Head coach: Kopunović Goran.

SC Dinamo 1948, starting XI: Cherciu Vlad – Hrișcă Liviu, Călin Andrei, Pașcalău Matei, Teodorescu Andru (captain), Vârzan Tudor, Dateș Yanis, Spiridon Darius, Andrei Darius, Moise Andrei, David Mario. Substitutes: Bocăneală Andrei, Paraschiv Mario, Paraschiv Călin, Sandu Antonio, Săcuiu Vlad, Mititelu Erik, Toporcea Alexandru, Mihalache Adrian, Cristudor Ștefan. Head coach: Alexe Marius Silviu.

Other results from the round:

Match	Result
Rapid 1923–CFR Cluj	7–2
Viitorul Cluj–FCSB SA	1–1
Farul Constanța–Universitatea Craiova	3–0

U18 play-off standings:

Pos.	Team	P	W	D	L	Goals	Pts
1	Rapid 1923	1	1	0	0	7–2	16
2	FK Csíkszereda	1	1	0	0	2–1	15
3	FCSB SA	1	0	1	0	1–1	15
4	Farul Constanța	1	1	0	0	3–0	14
5	Viitorul Cluj	1	0	1	0	1–1	11
6	SC Dinamo 1948	1	0	0	1	1–2	11
7	Universitatea Craiova	1	0	0	1	0–3	10
8	CFR Cluj	1	0	0	1	2–7	10

U17

In Bucharest, Dinamo player Dobre Darius scored twice for the hosts. Our team equalised in the 50th minute through an own goal, but we were unable to respond to the hosts' second goal in the 60th minute. The U17s therefore began their play-off campaign with a defeat.

CS Dinamo Bucharest–FK Csíkszereda 2–1 (1–0)

U17 Elite League, play-offs, Round 1; October 18, 10:00 AM, Piți Varga Stadium, Bucharest.

Goalscorers: Dobre Darius (10', 60'), Zamfir Maryo (own goal, 50').

CS Dinamo Bucharest: Duminică Mihai – Juvină Yanis, Corneliu Eduard, Zamfir Maryo (captain), Copuzcanu Cezar, Dincă Luca, Dobre Darius (Boștinaru Ianis, 71'), Lupașcu Alexandru (Floria Adrian, 54'), Dumitrache Eric, Gherboveț Darius (Alexandru Rareș, 54'), Dumitrache Patrick (Mărgărit Enescu Răzvan, 83'). Other squad members: Lupu Andreas, Manaseiu Rareș, Szabad David, Achim Matei, Șterpu David; additional registered player: Radu Lucas. Head coach: Voicu Ion.

FK Csíkszereda: Kajtár András – Hella-Fehér Dániel, Hegedus Cristian (Ambrus Lukács, 62'), Keresztes Ákos, Szabó Örs (Fazakas Zalán, 89'), Fülöp Farkas, Klein Tizian, Jánoska-Máthé Krisztián, Oniga Victor, Győrfi Bence (captain), Orbán Hunor (Lukács Bence, 62'). Other squad members: Déva Kristóf, Nagy Imre, Miklos Elemér. Head coach: Mitra Szilárd.

Yellow cards: Zamfir Maryo (19'), Copuzcanu Cezar (31'); Orbán Hunor (16'), Győrfi Bence (30'), Hella-Fehér Dániel (62').

Other results from the round:

Match	Result
Viitorul Cluj–FCSB SA	1–3
Farul Constanța–Campionii FC Argeș	5–1
Rapid 1923–CFR Cluj	4–2

U17 play-off standings:

Pos.	Team	P	W	D	L	Goals	Pts
1	FCSB SA	1	1	0	0	3–1	19
2	Farul Constanța	1	1	0	0	5–1	18
3	Rapid 1923	1	1	0	0	4–2	16
4	CS Dinamo Bucharest	1	1	0	0	2–1	15
5	CFR Cluj	1	0	0	1	2–4	13
6	Viitorul Cluj	1	0	0	1	1–3	13
7	Campionii FC Argeș	1	0	0	1	1–5	13
8	FK Csíkszereda	1	0	0	1	1–2	12

U16

After suffering a defeat away to Botoșani during the regular season, we faced AFC Botoșani again, this time on home soil. Jánosi Zsolt opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, and Polgár József doubled our advantage in the 33rd. However, an own goal shortly before half-time brought the visitors back into contention. In the closing stages, Forró Patrik was sent off, yet our team still managed to finish the match with another goal: substitute Lukács Bence made it 3–1 in the 90th minute.

Head coach Fogarasi Zoltán explained that the results at the end of the regular season had made his players particularly determined ahead of the play-off opener:

– We prepared with great determination throughout the week for our first play-off match because, to be frank, it really bothered us that after leading the standings throughout the regular season, we lost first place in the final round. And we didn't just drop one position, but three. It was also frustrating that we hadn't won in three matches. Accordingly, you could see in the team's work during the week how much the boys wanted to prove themselves, first and foremost to themselves. Although we played well even with ten men against Sepsi, we still ended up losing. Naturally, the desire for revenge also motivated them, as our first defeat of the regular season had come away to Botoșani. That was the background to our preparations for today's match.

The coach was particularly pleased with the first-half performance, although the own goal just before the break changed the psychological balance of the encounter.

– I have to say there was almost nothing to criticise about our first half. We played with tremendous intensity and put our opponents under constant pressure. We had plenty of possession, passed accurately, produced several excellent attacking moves and created chances. We scored two beautiful goals, especially the second, which was a joy to watch. Our opponents had virtually no opportunities apart from one or two corners. That's why the own goal just before half-time, following an unfortunate movement, came as such a surprise. Naturally, it made the contest much tighter, and our opponents tried to capitalise on the psychological advantage, hitting the post early in the second half.

After that effort against the woodwork, our team regained control. According to the head coach, the pressure of protecting the lead was also evident in the second half.

– After that, we took control of the game again and played with great confidence. Admittedly, our possession wasn't quite as fluent as in the first half, and perhaps we rushed things a little. I think that was because the team wanted to win so badly and was perhaps afraid of conceding another goal. Considering our recent results, that fear wasn't entirely unfounded. Nevertheless, we managed the game well, and we certainly had the better chances. Even at 2–1, we created several opportunities from which we could have scored. Then came the red card, which I have to say was completely justified. So once again, we had to protect our lead with ten men in the closing stages.

The third goal, scored despite being a man down, finally settled the contest.

– The fact that we managed to score again while playing with ten men, and not just any goal, once again demonstrates the team's character and fighting spirit. I can confidently say that we deserved our victory, because we created far more chances than our opponents, and our superiority on the pitch was beyond question. Our passing and possession were accurate throughout the match, particularly in the first half. So we fully deserved to win our opening play-off fixture. If I wanted to make a joke, I could say that we scored four goals but only won 3–1. Of course, we're delighted with the victory, and now we'll prepare for our first cup match against Buzău and, naturally, the Székely derby against Sepsi in the second round of the play-offs.

FK Csíkszereda–AFC Botoșani 3–1 (2–1)

U16 Elite League, play-offs, Round 1; October 17, 12:00 PM, Burus Csaba Sports Park.

Goalscorers: Jánosi Zsolt (22'), Polgár József (33'), Lukács Bence (90'); Forró Patrik (own goal, 43').

FK Csíkszereda: Bâlbâe Róbert – Kiss Hunor, Parhon Luca, Forró Patrik, Sipos Tamás, Polgár József (Lukács Bence, 82'), Boér Szabolcs (captain; Kósa Áron, 86'), Jánosi Zsolt, Szabó Ákos, Deák Kristóf, Székely Edmond (Debrenti Milán, 70'). Other squad members: Bokor Kristóf, Murgui Mario. Head coach: Fogarasi Zoltán. Assistant coach: Bartis Szabolcs László.

AFC Botoșani: Bunduc Gabriel – Pașare Darius (Zota Luca, 85'), Atodiresei David, Cîmpanu Horia (Olaru David, 57'), Tivodar Darius (Fălticeanu Tudor, 85'), Ababii Rareș (Moroșanu Matei, 68'), Avăsîlchioaie Gabriel, Tihon Albert, Adochitei David (Neamțu Damian, 57'), Apaței Vlăduț, Amîniloae Alex (captain). Other squad members: Gontaru Lucian, Florea Denis, Șmadici Petru, Rotundu Rareș, Aconstantinesii Alberto, Chirilă Eric, Constantin Petru. Head coach: Chirilă Cătălin Orlando.

Yellow cards: Parhon Luca (45'), Kiss Hunor (54'), Lukács Bence (90+1'), Bâlbâe Róbert (90+4'); Atodiresei David (35'). Red card: Forró Patrik (86').

Other results from the round:

Match	Result
Sepsi OSK–Kids Tâmpa Brașov	0–2
FCSB SA–CS Dinamo Bucharest	3–0
Farul Constanța–ACS Sport Team	4–1

U16 play-off standings:

Pos.	Team	P	W	D	L	Goals	Pts
1	FCSB SA	1	1	0	0	3–0	18
2	Farul Constanța	1	1	0	0	4–1	17
3	FK Csíkszereda	1	1	0	0	3–1	15
4	Kids Tâmpa Brașov	1	1	0	0	2–0	15
5	ACS Sport Team	1	0	0	1	1–4	14
6	AFC Botoșani	1	0	0	1	1–3	12
7	Sepsi OSK	1	0	0	1	0–2	12
8	CS Dinamo Bucharest	1	0	0	1	0–3	12

U15

We welcomed the favourites in our opening play-off fixture: Juniorul Bucharest had finished top of their regular-season group without suffering a single defeat. However, our team took the lead as early as the fourth minute through Boga Olivér. The defender struck again in the 28th minute, before Hajnal László extended our advantage to three goals in the 52nd. The visitors pulled one back late on, but we secured our first play-off points with a 3–1 victory.

According to head coach Burus Bernát, both the visitors' impressive record and the previous week's defeat presented significant challenges ahead of the encounter:

– We weren't the favourites in this fixture, because we were hosting Junior București, a team that had won the regular season, drawing just twice and winning every other match. They finished top of their group, so we were facing an extremely strong and confident side. On top of that, we were coming off a defeat, having lost to Sepsi OSK the previous week, which didn't exactly give us reason to approach this match with great confidence. During the first half of the week, we focused primarily on rebuilding the team's confidence and mentality. In the second half, we worked on preparing our tactical approach to ensure we could deliver the best possible performance at the weekend.

On the pitch, the team showed the determination the coach felt had been missing against Sepsi.

– I'm extremely pleased that the team approached the match with such confidence and that we saw the qualities that had been missing from our game a week earlier. The boys' attitude and commitment were excellent. They showed the necessary aggression, determination and fighting spirit that we expect from a team playing at home. It's a tremendous pleasure to see our players in this mental state, performing with such strength and desire.

Burus Bernát pointed out that the three goals came from two set-piece situations and one well-worked attacking move:

– The result speaks for itself. We managed to score twice from set pieces, and we also put together a very good attacking move that produced the final score. That allowed us to begin the play-offs with a victory, which is particularly valuable against such strong opposition. Junior București are therefore no longer unbeaten in the championship.

Next up for the team is a cup match, followed by another Székely derby.

– We keep moving forward and will prepare with the utmost seriousness for the challenges ahead. We have a cup match in midweek, and in a week's time we'll face Sepsi OSK again. We want to make amends for last week's defeat and prove that we can build on the attitude and performance we showed today.

FK Csíkszereda–ACS Juniorul 2014 3–1 (2–0)

U15 Elite League, play-offs, Round 1; October 17, 2:00 PM, Burus Csaba Sports Park.

Goalscorers: Boga Olivér (4', 28'), Hajnal László (52'); Ghiorghe Luca (79').

FK Csíkszereda: Géczi Mihály – Farkas Ábel, Lovas Bence, Jánosi Hunor, Boga Olivér, Becze Balázs, Sângerean Darius (Benkes András, 17'), Hajnal László (Pall Árpád, 78'), Törő Milán (Ilyés Gergő, 65'), Kozma Gergő (captain), Bejinariu Lucas (Kocsis Attila, 78'). Other squad members: Ábrahám Ábel, Szövérfi Rajmond, Gagiu Milán. Head coach: Burus Bernát. Assistant coach: Bartis Szabolcs László.

ACS Juniorul 2014: Istrate Alexandru (Auder Evan, 46') – Petre Nicholas, Ghiorghe Luca (captain), Stoian Lucas, Grigore Patrick, Botezatu Matei (Marcu Răzvan, 46'), Zgorobete Lucas, Ghiorghe Ianis (Voinea Mario, 53'), Pîrșoagă Theodor (Bulhac Ianis, 61'), Șchiopu David, Constantin Eric. Head coach: Huzuneanu Răzvan Adrian.

Yellow cards: Benkes András (9'), Törő Milán (34'), Boga Olivér (36'); Zgorobete Lucas (50'), Șchiopu David (60'), Marcu Răzvan (66'). Red card: Șchiopu David (90').

Other results from the round:

Match	Result
Sepsi OSK–Petrolul 52	1–0
Farul Constanța–Oxigen Bucharest	4–0
FCSB SA–CS Dinamo Bucharest	9–1

U15 play-off standings:

Pos.	Team	P	W	D	L	Goals	Pts
1	FCSB SA	1	1	0	0	9–1	19
2	Farul Constanța	1	1	0	0	4–0	19
3	FK Csíkszereda	1	1	0	0	3–1	16
4	Sepsi OSK	1	1	0	0	1–0	16
5	ACS Juniorul 2014	1	0	0	1	1–3	15
6	CS Dinamo Bucharest	1	0	0	1	1–9	14
7	Petrolul 52	1	0	0	1	0–1	13
8	Oxigen Bucharest	1	0	0	1	0–4	10

Pre-Academy

U14

Our U14 side scored seven goals in Bacău in the Elite League, recording a clean-sheet victory against CSM Bacău. Balogh Baltazár scored twice, while five other players also found the net.

CSM Bacău–FK Csíkszereda 0–7

U14 Elite League.

Our goalscorers: Balogh Baltazár (2), Kercsó Bence, Monori Máté, Kocsis Attila, Szentpáli Lóránt, Albert Alpár.

FK Csíkszereda, squad: Marthy Soma, Márton Zsombor, Márton Balázs, Dénes Áron, Szabó Balázs, Gellér Zsombor, Kercsó Bence, Monori Máté, Tikosi Magor, Balogh Baltazár, Lukács Gellért, Balogh Áron, Csiszer Botond, Ambrus Gergő, Kocsis Attila, Szentpáli Lóránt, Albert Alpár. Coaches: Hodgyai László and Barabási Roland.

U13

Our U13 side went into half-time with an eight-goal advantage in Bacău and eventually secured a 14–1 victory. Ábrahám Csanád scored four times, Antonache Alex completed a hat-trick, and Tordai Kristóf found the net twice, while five other players contributed one goal each.

CSM Bacău–FK Csíkszereda 1–14 (0–8)

U13 Elite League, regular season, Group 2, Round 11.

Our goalscorers: Ábrahám Csanád (4), Antonache Alex (3), Tordai Kristóf (2), Blagu Petru, Vrencean Kristóf, Toth Krisztián, Bâlbâe Krisztián, Kóka Szilárd.

FK Csíkszereda: Bilibok Csanád (Magyari Albert) – Antal János (Kóka Szilárd), Parajdi Zsombor (Portik David), Bodor Dávid (Potyó Ádám), Blagu Petru (Borvíz Dávid) – Vrencean Kristóf (Tordai Kristóf), Antonache Alex (Ábrahám Csanád), Toth Krisztián (Jánosi Áron) – Bâlbâe Krisztián (Balázs Bulcsú). Coaches: Kercsó Ábel and Tankó Hunor.

R. A.