In a gripping league match held in Bucharest on 25 May 2025, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti faced off against Rapid FNG, ultimately succumbing to a 5-3 defeat. The match kicked off at 6:00pm under heavy rainfall, which persisted throughout the entire game, creating slick conditions and a wet, unpredictable pitch. Despite the weather, both teams delivered a fiercely contested battle full of intensity, goals, and standout moments.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Selim Portar in goal, flanked by a defensive line comprising Christian MĂĽller and Yassin Yassin as the right and left full-backs, respectively, while Alex New and Sergio Quiroga anchored the central defence. In midfield, Lauren?iu-Virgil ?elea and Mihai Bancu patrolled the flanks, with Bishoy Khalil and Cristian Savino holding central positions. Leading the attack were Robert-Andrei Asavei and Farzad Gharahdaghi. The substitutes for the match included Mahdi Reihanian, Graur Costin, Torsan Mihai, Marcus Da Costa Mitel, and Christian C.
The weather conditions played a significant role in the dynamics of the match. The continuous downpour made ball control difficult, with players frequently slipping and passes skidding unpredictably across the soaked surface. Despite these challenges, both teams adapted impressively, displaying determination and grit.
The match marked a key milestone for both Lauren?iu-Virgil ?elea and Robert-Andrei Asavei, as it was their first official start in the club’s first eleven. Both rose to the occasion, with ?elea delivering a pinpoint assist and Asavei scoring two impressive goals, including a creative back-heel finish.
Rapid FNG struck first in the 3rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to score from inside the box. The slippery surface likely contributed to the defensive miscommunication. Portar was quickly called into action, making a full-stretch save in the 12th minute to prevent a second goal, showing excellent concentration in difficult conditions.
In the 16th minute, Asavei was flagged offside after a mistimed run. Rapid then doubled their lead in the 20th minute via a penalty. The rain made it harder for defenders to time their tackles cleanly, a factor that may have contributed to the foul. Tensions boiled over when a Rapid player received a yellow card for violent conduct in the 26th minute.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti found hope in the 31st minute as Asavei finished off a perfectly delivered cross from ?elea with a right-footed strike. Portar continued to shine despite the slick ball, making a solid catch in the 34th minute. However, moments later, Gharahdaghi picked up a yellow card for unsporting behaviour—perhaps influenced by frustration over the weather-affected gameplay.
Cristian Savino was involved in a dangerous high tackle in the 38th minute but escaped further sanction. Then, just before halftime, Asavei netted his second goal with a dazzling back heel, equalising at 2-2 and giving the home fans reason to cheer through the downpour.
After the break, A.S. Cetate made a substitution, with Mahdi Reihanian replacing the injured Gharahdaghi. However, just moments into the second half, Rapid reclaimed the lead in the 49th minute with another goal from close range—exploiting a moment of disarray in the slippery defensive line.
In the 58th minute, Rapid made it 4-2 with a thunderous long-range effort that skipped off the wet turf and past a diving Portar. The soaked pitch made such strikes even more dangerous, with unpredictable ball speed and bounce.
Substitutions followed in the 60th minute: Graur Costin and Torsan Mihai came on to reinforce the defence. Portar was once again a standout, saving a penalty in the 61st minute and keeping his side within reach. He made another aerial intervention in the 70th minute, clutching a wet, spinning cross with authority.
Despite fresh legs introduced in the 75th minute—Marcus Da Costa Mitel and Christian C replacing Bancu and ?elea—Rapid extended their lead in the 79th minute with yet another inside-the-box finish, capitalising on tired legs and worsening field conditions.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti fought until the final whistle. In the 89th minute, Mahdi Reihanian scored a late goal after a clever flick assist from Asavei, reducing the deficit to 5-3. However, there wasn’t enough time for a comeback.
In the end, the relentless rain was a constant variable—testing players’ balance, decision-making, and technical execution. Despite the loss, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti showed heart and flashes of brilliance, particularly from debutants ?elea and Asavei, and the ever-reliable Portar. The team will look to regroup and come back stronger in the next fixture, hopefully under clearer skies.
