We could move away from the relegation play-off places if we manage to take all three points from Ploiești on Sunday. To do so, we must carry our strong home form into away matches as well.

We could move away from the relegation play-off places if we manage to take all three points from Ploiești on Sunday. To do so, we must carry our strong home form into away matches as well.

Thanks to last round’s victory against Hermannstadt, we are once again level on points with Petrolul in 12th–13th place. The difference between these positions is significant: 12th place guarantees direct survival in the top flight, while 13th means playing a relegation play-off. In that sense, this match can be seen as a real “play-off” to avoid the play-off spot – although it should be noted that once the play-out begins, points will be halved, and we will face each other again.

It is difficult to determine which team is currently in better form. The reverse fixture in October in Miercurea Ciuc ended in a 1–1 draw, and as we may recall, Szalay missed a penalty in the 88th minute that could have secured us the victory.

Petrolul may not score many goals, but they usually play tight matches decided by a single goal – when they are decided at all. In their last five games, they recorded two draws, two wins and one defeat, against CFR, while also drawing against two other strong sides, Rapid and Dinamo. Anyone expecting an easy match in Ploiești would be mistaken.

Head coach Róbert Ilyés hopes the positive momentum from home matches will continue away from home:
“It is encouraging that we have proven, especially at home, that we are a tough team. Now comes another challenge in Ploiești, made more difficult by the fact that both teams are fighting for the same objective. It is possible that we won’t see spectacular football, also because of the pitch conditions, as I have heard, so we must take that into account when preparing our tactics,” he said at the pre-match press conference.

Ilyés does not expect a particularly friendly atmosphere:
“Let’s not forget we are facing one of the most famous clubs in Romania, with a huge history that we respect. Surely many supporters will attend. I expect a tense match. For us, it will be important to avoid the mistakes that usually occur away from home and, based on a solid defence, try to take points.”

The match of round 29 of the regular season kicks off on Sunday at 15:45 at the Ilie Oană Stadium and will be broadcast live on Digisport 1 and Prima Sport 1.

Rédai Attila