The two formations that dominate the Superliga until now, Rapid and FC Botoșani, stumbled on Saturday: the Giulești lost at home to Oțelul (0-2), and the Moldovans drew only a white draw on the field of FC Argeș.
After the draw with Botoșani, Rapid had the chance to distance themselves at the top of the standings, in the last match at home this year. But the Cherries kicked this opportunity, performing miserably against an excellently organized team. Steel prevailed deservedly, through the goals scored by Pedro Nuno (17), with a beautiful execution from the box, after a ball returned by Denis Bodrun, and by Paul Iacob (80), a former player at Rapid, from a free kick from about 25 meters to which the goalkeeper Aioani was completely airborne.
Steel success, after 11 years
The guests had more and bigger chances, but the goalkeeper from Giulio stood out for the shots of Andrezinho (36), Pedro Nuno (52), Bordun (59) or his header from Paulinho (60). The Portuguese Paulinho sent into the crossbar from 6 meters (58).
On the other side, Rapid missed several opportunities, through Claudiu Petrila, who shot wide (6), and in the second half he was blocked by Andrei Rus in extremis (72). Alexandru Dobre (26) sent a slightly deflected shot wide of the goal, and Elvir Koljic’s (49) header was saved by Cosmin Dur-Bozoancă.
It was the first victory of the Galatians against the Cherries after more than 11 years. The previous success ticked in the Moldovan championship dates back to September 1, 2014, when they won at home with the same score.
The 8,137 spectators went home disappointed, especially since Rapid has only one win in the last four stages. On the other hand, Oțelul has only one defeat in the last six stages, managing to climb to the playoff spot.
Rapid – Oțelul Galati 0-2 (0-1)
Giulesti Superbet Arena – Bucharest
They scored: Pedro Nuno (17), Paul Iacob (80).
