There may have been more in the match against the reigning champions for FK Csíkszereda, but the goal conceded in the first half proved decisive.

There may have been more in the match against the reigning champions for FK Csíkszereda, but the goal conceded in the first half proved decisive.

The two teams were forced to play the fixture of the 24th round in far from ordinary weather conditions, with heavy snowfall. The pitch became more and more difficult with every passing minute in the country’s largest stadium, the home ground of FCSB, which also affected the quality of the game. In the stands, even with the greatest generosity, around 2,000 spectators were present, and the only audible support came from the fans of the Ciuc side, as the home supporters’ strike also applied to this match. Judging by the atmosphere, one could even have felt at home in Miercurea Ciuc – especially since the weather resembled that of Székelyföld.

The hosts clearly aimed to decide the match already in the first half, putting heavy pressure on the FK goal. In the 12th minute Miculescu fired into the side netting from close range, and two minutes later he broke through on goal, but Pap Eduard did brilliantly to close the angle and save with his chest. In the 15th minute, following a free kick from the right, another big chance fell to the home side, yet Pap once again produced a superb save from a header, despite the Bucharest players appealing for a penalty.

Csíkszereda were not without danger either: in the 26th minute Anderson tried his luck from 20 metres, but Popa held on comfortably. Four minutes later, after a handball by Palmes, FCSB were awarded a penalty, however Pap denied Tănase from the spot, keeping the visitors’ hopes alive. In the 38th minute, though, the deadlock was broken: Cisotti controlled Crețu’s cross well inside the box – Miculescu even stepped over the ball – and then finished from 11 metres into the bottom right corner (1–0). Before the break, FCSB had further chances, and on one occasion the crossbar also came to Csíkszereda’s rescue.

At half-time, as the pitch had turned almost completely white, our team changed shirts and continued in black instead of white. We could have equalised as early as the 46th minute: after a fine individual move by Gustavo, Nagy Zoárd struck first time, but from seven metres he placed his shot wide. We had further promising moments afterwards, while Pap continued to make important saves – in the 60th minute even Thiam could not beat him from six metres.

As the match drew to a close, Anderson attempted another shot from 18 metres, but it lacked power. In the 85th minute it was FK’s turn again: Bettini’s effort was gathered by Popa at the second attempt, while Dusinszki blasted wide. In stoppage time, Popa also pushed away Szalay’s dangerous free kick, meaning the hosts’ one-goal advantage remained intact until the final whistle.

Despite the defeat, our goalkeeper Pap Eduard was named Man of the Match by the broadcaster holding the TV rights. Another positive aspect came at the end of the match, when our supporters were able to sing the Székely Anthem freely together with the FK players at the National Arena.

After the match, head coach Ilyés Róbert said he felt frustrated about having to play on a pitch unfit for football. “Especially in the second half the conditions were very difficult, both for us and for FCSB. Perhaps our expectations for the match would have been different, but given the state of the pitch, unfortunately this was all that could be done. A very important match is coming up for us now, our third away game after two defeats, and we hope we will look different there,” the coach stated.

The match against Metaloglobus București in round 25 will kick off on Wednesday at 4:00 pm.

Rédai Attila