FC Botoșani produced a dramatic comeback to defeat FCSB 3–2, overturning a match in which the visitors led twice. Ongenda was the star of the night with a brace, while Mailat punished a catastrophic defensive error to score the winner. FCSB finished with 10 men after Lixandru’s late red card.
FCSB scores (0–1): Darius Olaru unleashed a spectacular long‑range strike from 30 meters, beating goalkeeper Kukic and giving FCSB an early lead.
35’ – Goal Botoșani (1–1): Ongenda dribbled past Duarte inside the box and finished confidently to equalize.
37’–41’ – Penalty for FCSB (1–2): Kukic fouled Cisotti in the box; VAR confirmed the decision. Florin Tănase converted with a delicate chip (“scăriță”), restoring FCSB’s lead.
Second Half
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59’ – Huge chance Botoșani: Mitrov set up Ongenda on the counter, but Popa saved brilliantly.
68’/69’ – Goal Botoșani (2–2): After a long attacking sequence, Mailat found Ongenda in the box; the Frenchman turned and scored his second of the night.
78’ – Goal Botoșani (3–2): A disastrous back‑pass from Andre Duarte was intercepted by Mailat, who rounded Popa and scored the winning goal. This mistake became the defining moment of the match.
84’ – Botoșani hits the bar again: Bordeianu struck the crossbar as the hosts pushed for a fourth.
88’ – Red card FCSB: Mihai Lixandru was sent off for a last‑man foul on Dumiter.
FC Botoșani
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Played a 4‑2‑3‑1 with aggressive pressing and vertical transitions.
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Ongenda operated between the lines, constantly destabilizing FCSB’s defense.
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Mailat’s speed and anticipation were decisive, especially on the winning goal.
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Showed strong mentality, overturning the score twice.
FCSB
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Began strongly but gradually lost control under Botoșani’s pressure.
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Defensive errors—especially Duarte’s back‑pass—proved fatal.
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The midfield trio (Tănase–Lixandru–Olaru) created early superiority but faded after the break.
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The red card ended any chance of a late comeback.
FC Botoșani delivered one of the most dramatic performances of the Relegation Round, defeating the play‑out leaders and pulling level with them on points.
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Botoșani: Momentum, belief, and a revived attack led by Ongenda and Mailat.
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FCSB: A night defined by defensive errors and missed control, ending with frustration and a red card.
This match reshapes the dynamics of the Relegation Round and reopens the fight for the top positions.
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