Dinamo Bucharest took on Metalul Buzău in the Romanian Cup quarter-finals. The match kicked off at 20:00 at the ‘Arcul de Triumf’ stadium. Following two successive defeats in the league, Dinamo are seeking redemption in the Supercup by eliminating Metalul Buzău, who are currently 9th in Liga 2.
Teams and Tactics
Dinamo’s starting XI included Roșca, Sivis, Boateng, Stoinov, Oprut, Cîrjan, Gnahore, C. Mihai, Soro, A. Pop, and Armstrong. Zeljko Kopic is the manager. The substitutes were Epassy, Musi, Milanov, Mazilu, Tarbă, Toader, Duțu, Ikoko, and Țicu.
Metalul Buzău’s lineup featured R. Stoian, R. Radu, Parfeon, Cimpoeșu, Juncănaru, Opaiț, Borțoneanu, Tudorică, Milea, V. Robu, and Dumitrache. Valentin Stan is the team’s manager. The substitutes were I. Dinu, Stacovici, Băncilă, C. Dumitru, D. Oprea, Hanada, A. Moldovan, Puiu, and Kudelkins.
Roșca, Mihai, and Pop were included in the starting lineup, replacing Epassy, Musi, and the injured Karamoko from the previous match against FC Argeș.
First Half Action
Metalul Buzău made a strong start to the match, applying aggressive, high pressing that troubled Dinamo’s build-up play. In the 5th minute, Tudorică found Robu, whose shot from the edge of the box was saved by Roșca.
Dinamo’s first chance came in the 11th minute when Soro cut inside from the right and shot towards goal, but the goalkeeper had no problems. The biggest chance of the match so far fell to Valentin Dumitrache in the 16th minute. After a shot was blocked by Gnahore, the ball fell to Dumitrache, whose first-time shot from 11 metres struck the post.
Pre-Match Atmosphere
Both teams were seen warming up before the match. Approximately 500 supporters were present in the stadium. Dinamo were the first to arrive at the stadium, appearing relaxed, with their manager, Zeljko Kopic, leading the way off the team bus. Metalul Buzău were accommodated at the stadium hotel.
The pitch condition was described as acceptable, despite some areas where the grass was missing.
Cup Form
- Metalul Buzău finished second in their group, losing to U Cluj (1-2) but defeating Sporting Liești (4-1) and Sepsi (1-0).
- Dinamo won their group, defeating CS Dinamo (2-0), drawing with Farul (0-0), and beating Hermannstadt (2-0).
Manager’s Views
Ahead of the quarter-final match, Dinamo’s Zeljko Kopic and Cristi Mihai spoke about the game. Kopic stated: “We are the favourite team. We are playing against a team from the second division. They are a good team, they deserve to be here, in the quarter-finals. We have to be prepared, to be at our maximum level. We are favourites and we want to qualify for the semi-finals. That’s what we prepared the match for.”