Both regular-season meetings between ACS Petrolul 52 and FK Csíkszereda ended in draws, meaning the final verdict in this head-to-head battle will be decided in the play-out phase, where one of the two sides may yet turn the duel in its favor.

Both regular-season meetings between ACS Petrolul 52 and FK Csíkszereda ended in draws, meaning the final verdict in this head-to-head battle will be decided in the play-out phase, where one of the two sides may yet turn the duel in its favor.

Sunday’s clash carried major importance: whichever team had claimed all three points would have moved three points clear of the other in 12th place — the final position ensuring direct survival without a relegation play-off. Our team was backed by a large traveling support, including members of the FK supporters’ group “Lokálpatrióták,” whose voices echoed strongly around the stadium in Ploiești. Alongside the home crowd’s encouragement, discriminatory anti-Hungarian chants were also heard on a few occasions.

On the pitch, the high stakes resulted in a tactical battle with few clear chances. Compared to the previous match, head coach Ilyés Róbert reshaped the starting eleven significantly, opting for a 5–4–1 system with five defenders and four midfielders, focusing primarily on defensive solidity. The hosts enjoyed more possession, but the first real opportunity came in the 18th minute, when Paul Papp’s close-range volley from 8–9 meters was brilliantly saved by Pap Eduard.

It was not a spectacular encounter, with limited genuine scoring opportunities. Still, the deadlock was broken early in the second half. In the 51st minute, following hesitation from Trif, Rareș Pop unleashed a long-range shot that deflected off Trif and found the net (1–0).

The response came quickly. In the 54th minute, Loeper set up Nagy, whose 18-meter effort toward the near post was saved by Bălbărău. Five minutes later, Pop fouled Trif near the edge of the box. After a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. In the 62nd minute, Pászka Loránd confidently converted, placing the ball into the right corner (1–1).

The equalizer gave our side momentum. In the 65th minute, following a defensive mistake — or perhaps Anderson’s clever ball recovery — the Brazilian delivered a cross that eventually reached Nagy via Loeper, but the goalkeeper denied the clear-cut chance. The remainder of the match was marked by intense physical battles: Dongmo fired over from 22 meters (73’), while substitute Rafinha threatened twice (79’, 81’) without finding the target.

In the closing stages, Pap Eduard had to stay alert, saving Rafinha’s close-range attempt in the 84th minute, while Palmeș produced a crucial clearance in stoppage time following Dumitrescu’s cross. The hosts appealed for penalties on two occasions, and several controversial decisions added tension to the contest, but in each case the final verdict came after lengthy VAR analysis.

“We played against a very motivated team that put us under pressure from the very first moment. We changed our usual system and played with five defenders. In the first half, the plan worked well — we didn’t allow many chances, but we also offered little in attack. Then came the situation from a throw-in where we conceded. After that we grew into the game, played more courageously, and we could even have turned it around, as we had several dangerous counterattacks and chances. Unfortunately, we had to settle for one point,” said head coach Ilyés Róbert after the match.

Petrolul Ploiești – FK Csíkszereda 1–1 (0–0)
Referees: Roman George Cătălin, Vișan Florian Alexandru, Ghiciulescu Raul Constantin
VAR: Popa Cătălin Sorin | AVAR: Rusandru Lucian Claudiu
Goals: Pop (51’), respectively Pászka (62’ – pen.)
Yellow cards: Ricardinho (75’), Roche (90+1’), respectively Nagy (64’), Anderson (90+1’), Hegedüs (90+7’)

ACS Petrolul 52: Bălbărău – Papp, Roche, Dumitrescu, Miranda – Jyry, Dulca (Boateng 68’), Dongmo (Botogan 76’) – Pop (Hanca 76’), Chica Rosa (Aimbetov 83’), Grozav (Rafinha 68’)
Head coach: Neagoe Eugen

FK Csíkszereda: Pap – Pászka, Hegedűs, Csürös, Palmeș, Trif – Loeper (Jebari 70’), Bödő (Bota 90+2’), Veres (Végh 70’), Cabral (Anderson 46’) – Nagy (Eppel 70’)
Head coach: Ilyés Róbert

Attila Rédai