Our U16 team’s cup run came to an end in the semifinals, as Rapid proved more efficient on Wednesday away from home, relying on a defensive approach and counterattacks.
Our U16 team’s cup run came to an end in the semifinals, as Rapid proved more efficient on Wednesday away from home, relying on a defensive approach and counterattacks.
Despite rainy and windy conditions, a strong crowd gathered at the artificial pitch behind Márton Áron High School, where Burus Bernát’s side dominated proceedings, controlling possession and attacking almost continuously. However, FK failed to break down the visitors’ well-organized defense.
Rapid scored from virtually their only attacking opportunity in the first half, converting a free kick through Mânzu. In the second half, the visitors neither created chances nor pushed forward, while we built attack after attack without managing to produce truly dangerous situations. The biggest chance fell to Szabó Örs late on, who broke through the double defensive line and found himself one-on-one, but his shot missed the target.
After the match, head coach Burus Bernát emphasized that his team controlled the game entirely: “It’s frustrating that the opponent scored from perhaps their only chance.” He also praised the players’ attitude, highlighting their “heart and determination,” which should be carried forward. He added that the team is only in its second academy year at this level, yet reached the semifinals, which bodes well for the future.
Captain Keresztes Tamás shared a similar view, saying that “one wrong decision and one bad moment cost us the game,” while “everyone gave their maximum.” Although disappointed, the team remains focused: “We have to move forward,” as the season is not over. In his opinion, the difference was efficiency in front of goal, but they remain confident in their abilities.
U16 Elite Cup, semifinal
FK Csíkszereda – Rapid Bucharest 0–1 (0–1)
Csíkszereda, Márton Áron artificial pitch
Referees: Mormeci Dumitru Robert, Ciorbea Cristian Marian, Toca Cosmin Gheorghe
Goal: Mânzu (40)
Yellow cards: Lukács (21), Keresztes (39), Fülöp (41), Györfi (88) / Pricop (41), Bălașa (59)
FK Csíkszereda: Kajtár András – Tóth-Pál Milán, Nagy Imre Dániel, Fülöp Farkas, Szabó Örs – Györfi Bence, Keresztes Tamás (cpt), Bíró Botond – Klein Tizian Mihály, Lukács Bence, Miara Dominik
Substitutes: Lukács Gergő (GK), Baior Darius Daniel, Casian Enrik, Fazakas Zalán, Hegedus Cristian, Jánosi Zsolt, Jánoska-Máthé Krisztián Levente, Keresztes Ákos, Șeitan-Pataki David
Head coach: Burus Bernát
Rapid Bucharest: Socol Ianis Adrian – Teșcărău Alexandru Christian Bogdan (cpt), Popescu Dan Mihai, Toth Robert – Buzdugan Luca Valentin, Mânzu Robert Nicolas, Purice Nikolas Marian, Ciaun Cezar Mihai – Spinache Albert Iustin, Bălașa Andreas Ciprian, Pricop Albert Florinel
Substitutes: Maghiar Ianis Andrei (GK), Bursa Kirill, Diaconu Mircea, Ioniță Remus Ștefan, Oprea Luca Matei, Pencescu Rareș Ștefan, Sfetcu Alexandru, Sili Nichita, Stoicescu Luca Andrei
Head coach: Geraldo Washington Regufe Alves