In a thrilling friendly encounter held at Bucharest on 2nd March 2025, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti emerged victorious against International Bucure?ti with a scoreline of 2-1. The match, which kicked off at noon, showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance, culminating in a hard-fought win for the home side.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Alexandru Cristian Ursu took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Padureanu Teodor on the right, Bishoy Khalil and Dan Del Zoppo in central defence, and Torsan Mihai on the left. The midfield duo of Mihai Bancu and Sam Umlauf was tasked with controlling the centre of the park, while Cristian Savino and Marcus Da Costa Mitel operated as right and left attacking midfielders respectively, supporting the lone striker, Biolan Liviu. The substitutes for the match included Mahdi Reihanian, Ionu? Inout, Sergio Quiroga, Darius Bandehzadegan, and Georgian Valentin.
The match began with A.S. Cetate Bucuresti looking to assert their dominance early on. In the 10th minute, goalkeeper Alexandru Cristian Ursu was called into action, making a crucial save to deny an early attempt from the opponents. Just three minutes later, he was again tested, showcasing his reflexes to keep the score level.
As the game progressed, Biolan Liviu had a promising chance in the 18th minute, but his effort was saved, reflecting the mounting pressure from A.S. Cetate Bucuresti. However, the home side was forced into early substitutions due to injury concerns; Liviu was replaced by Mahdi Reihanian in the 20th minute, and Cristian Savino made way for Ionu? Inout shortly after, also due to injury.
Despite the changes, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti continued to push forward, but it was International Bucure?ti who struck first in the 29th minute, taking the lead with a well-placed right-footed shot that left the home defence scrambling.
The first half concluded with A.S. Cetate Bucuresti trailing 1-0, but they made tactical adjustments during the break. The second half saw immediate changes, with Darius Bandehzadegan taking over in goal, and Georgian Valentin replacing Torsan Mihai, as the team sought to regain control.
In the 58th minute, Bandehzadegan was called into action, making a vital save to keep the deficit at one. Moments later, Farzad Gharahdaghi came close to equalising, hitting the crossbar with a powerful strike that had the crowd on their feet.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute when Gharahdaghi, who had been a constant threat, scored a stunning long-range lob, assisted by Marcus Da Costa Mitel. The goal ignited the home crowd and breathed new life into A.S. Cetate Bucuresti's performance.
With the momentum firmly in their favour, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti continued to press for a winner. Their efforts paid off in the 83rd minute when Ionu? Inout found the back of the net, courtesy of an assist from Gharahdaghi, putting the home side ahead 2-1.
As the final whistle approached, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti held firm against any late attempts from International Bucure?ti, securing a well-deserved victory. The match showcased not only the resilience of A.S. Cetate Bucuresti but also the potential of their squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
