The duel between Dinamo and FCSB took place at the “Arcul de Triumf” Stadium, in a “final” of the Conference League preliminaries. The Red-Blues qualified for the second preliminary round, after a 2-1 decision in overtime.
FCSB opened the scoring after only ten minutes
Dinamo created its first great opportunity in the 2nd minute, through Danny Armstrong, but Târnovanu intervened to save. FCSB opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Dawa took advantage of a deflection off a corner and sent the ball into the net. The game was tense, with several fouls and two yellow cards awarded quickly. In the 26th minute, the game was interrupted for a few moments after Darius Olaru received medical attention, following a blow that caused him a broken arch. Until the break, both teams had one more important opportunity, but the score remained 1-0 for FCSB.
Dinamo managed to equalize in the second half
The second half was a balanced one, with Dinamo increasingly present in attack after several changes made by Zeljko Kopic. The “dogs” managed to equalize through Karamoko, who took advantage of a ball in the box and beat Târnovanu with a precise volley. FCSB tried to react quickly and Florin Tănase came close to scoring from a free kick, but Epassy was on top at the last minute. In the end, Dinamo had another important opportunity through Tarbă, but the score remained unchanged.
Ofrid Arad entered the field and scored after only 2 minutes
In overtime, Dinamo was close to scoring through Cîrjan, but his header went wide. FCSB then made an inspired change, and Ofri Arad, brought on in the 103rd minute, scored the winning goal shortly after the start of the second half of extra time. Towards the end, the game became tense, the red-blues received three yellow cards for time-consuming and protesting, but the fate of the game remained unchanged. 2-1 for FCSB and qualification to Europe.
The starting teams Dinamo – FCSB, 1-2
Dinamo: Epassy – Sivis, Boateng, Stoinov, Opruț – Gnahore, Mărginean, Cîrjan – Musi, Armstrong, Milanov;
Reserves: Roșca, Licsandru, Karamoko, Bordușanu, Tarbă, Caragea, Toader, Duțu, Ikoko, Țicu, Pop, N’Giuwu;
Coach: Zeljko Kopic.
FCSB: Târnovanu – Crețu, Popescu, Dawa, Radunovic – Olaru, Joao Paulp, Tănase – Oct. Popescu, Cisotti, Toma;
Reserves: Popa, Zima, Duarte, Arad, Lixandru, Cercel, Pantea, Ngezana, Stoian, Thiam, Popa;
Coach: Marius Baciu.
