A completely reshuffled FC Voluntari, compared to their latest league match, turned out to be more than generous hosts for FK Csíkszereda in the Romanian Cup play-off, ahead of the group stage – with the goal-hungry Eppel scoring five times against the “Sailors.”

A completely reshuffled FC Voluntari, compared to their latest league match, turned out to be more than generous hosts for FK Csíkszereda in the Romanian Cup play-off, ahead of the group stage – with the goal-hungry Eppel scoring five times against the “Sailors.”

Before the match, few would have expected such a goal festival from FK Csíkszereda on Voluntari’s home ground. But the Ilfov side, practically merged with Bucharest, decided – for reasons of their own – to field a totally different line-up than the one that drew 0–0 with Politehnica Iași just four days earlier in the Liga 2 derby. Of course, it wasn’t only this that caused the overwhelming scoreline, but also the Ciuc side’s strong desire for victory and goals.

The scoring opened early: in the 7th minute Dolný struck home after Anderson’s perfect through ball. By the 13th minute Dolný turned provider, crossing for Eppel to finish from close range (0–2). In the 29th, Ferenczi unleashed a brilliant left-foot strike from 18 meters straight into the top corner (0–3). And in the 37th, a flowing move involving Anderson, Szalay, and Dolný ended with Eppel netting his second of the night (0–4).

After the break, Voluntari came out more determined and coach Florin Pîrvu tried to strengthen the team with substitutions. It worked briefly, but in the 69th minute Eppel headed home another Szalay cross (0–5). Three minutes later, Anderson converted a penalty won by Bakos (0–6). Haită pulled one back in the 82nd after a turnover (1–6), but Eppel responded with two more: in the 86th minute capitalizing on a gift ball (1–7), and in the 89th finishing off a fine team move (1–8).

With this resounding win, FK Csíkszereda reached the Romanian Cup group stage for the second consecutive year.

“The forwards needed goals, I’m glad they managed to score plenty, but maybe it would have been better to save a few for Monday against Oțelul, which is a much more important game for us. I hope we’ll still have goals left for then. I’m annoyed, though, that we conceded from a counterattack after our own set piece – I would have preferred to keep a clean sheet,” said head coach Róbert Ilyés after the game.

Asked about the team’s plans for the group stage, he added: “It depends on the draw. We’ll set targets based on our opponents, but our main priority remains the league. That doesn’t mean we’ll give up on the Cup – we have a squad deep enough to take part in this competition seriously, and if possible, we’d like to advance.”

Next match: FK Csíkszereda vs Oțelul Galați, Superliga Round 8, Monday at 18:00.

Romanian Cup, play-off round
FC Voluntari – FK Csíkszereda 1–8 (0–4)
Voluntari, Anghel Iordănescu Stadium

Referees: Robu Ovidiu (Chitila), Dumitrache Ștefan (Palanca), Diaconu Andrei (Iași). Fourth official: Țurcanu Dragoș Ionuț (Piatra Neamț)

Goalscorers: Haită (82) / Dolný (7), Eppel (13, 37, 69, 86, 89), Ferenczi (29), Anderson (72 – penalty)

Yellow cards: Bloj (46) / Toma (79), Panos (80), Schieb (90)

FC Voluntari: Chioveanu Eduard – Panos Mickael, Armaș Igor, Andreș Ionuț Vlăduț – Schieb Martin, Onișa Mihael Alexandru (Gheorghe Ion 46’), Petculescu Robert (Toma Daniel Marian 73’), Andrei Doru Cristian (Pandele Andrei Vlăduț 46’) – Bujor Denis Andrei (Haită Florian 56’), Vencu Ianis (Guțea Remus 78’), Călin Alberto Constantin.
Head coach: Florin Pîrvu

FK Csíkszereda: Simon Máté – Ferenczi János (Bencze Lóránd 73’), Palmeș Raul (Čelić Maks 78’), Végh Balázs, Bloj Erwin – Szalay Szabolcs (Szabó Bálint 73’), Veres Szilárd, Pászka Lóránd (Bakos Ervin 65’), Anderson Ceara – Eppel Márton, Dolný Jozef (Csürös Attila 65’).
Head coach: Róbert Ilyés

Rédai Attila