In a pulsating league match held at Bucharest on 6th October 2024, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti edged past ACS Team my School with a final score of 3-2. The match, which kicked off at 8:00 pm, showcased a blend of skill, determination, and a touch of drama as both teams fought fiercely for supremacy.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, which saw Darius Bandehzadegan in goal, flanked by a solid back four comprising Mihai Grigore and Leo Tudor as the right and left defenders, respectively, while Bishoy Khalil and Dan Del Zappo held the central defensive positions. In midfield, Farzad Gharahdaghi and Mihai Bancu operated on the right and left flanks, with Andres Rodriguez Fabian and Claudiu Prodan anchoring the central midfield. Up front, Cristian Savino and Vasco Barreto formed a dynamic partnership, looking to exploit any defensive lapses from the opposition.
The substitutes for A.S. Cetate Bucuresti included Christian Müler, Nicolás Grandón, Darius Soreata, and Filip Marchis, providing tactical options and fresh legs as the match progressed.
The home side made a bright start, taking the lead in the 9th minute when Vasco Barreto found the back of the net with a well-placed left-footed shot from inside the box, assisted by a long pass from Dan Del Zappo. This early goal set the tone for an exciting encounter.
Darius Bandehzadegan showcased his goalkeeping prowess shortly after, executing a punch to clear a dangerous cross in the 15th minute, demonstrating his command of the area. Dan Del Zappo continued to impress defensively, making a crucial clearance in the 20th minute to maintain A.S. Cetate Bucuresti's lead.
However, the match took a turn in the 24th minute when Andres Rodriguez Fabian received a yellow card for a bad tackle, a decision that would later come back to haunt him. Just a minute later, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti benefitted from an own goal by an opponent, which was credited to Andres Rodriguez Fabian's long pass that caused confusion in the ACS Team my School defence.
Despite the setback, ACS Team my School responded quickly, scoring a stunning long-range strike in the 29th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. The goal, executed with precision using the right foot, injected new life into the visitors. The excitement continued as Vasco Barreto received a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 30th minute, adding to the growing tension on the pitch.
As the first half drew to a close, Cristian Savino was caught offside in the 34th minute due to a mistimed run, a moment that highlighted the need for better timing in the attacking third. The half-time whistle blew with A.S. Cetate Bucuresti leading 2-1, but the match was far from over.
The second half began with a tactical substitution as Christian Müler replaced Mihai Grigore, aiming to bolster the defence. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 52nd minute when another yellow card was issued for a bad tackle, further escalating the physicality of the game.
In the 60th minute, Andres Rodriguez Fabian received a second yellow card, resulting in a red card that left A.S. Cetate Bucuresti with ten men. This setback put them under immense pressure, and just five minutes later, ACS Team my School capitalised on their numerical advantage, scoring a header to level the match at 2-2.
A.S. Cetate Bucuresti, now needing to respond, found their footing again when Claudiu Prodan unleashed a spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box in the 71st minute, restoring their lead to 3-2. This goal was a testament to Prodan's skill and determination, igniting the home crowd.
In the 75th minute, A.S. Cetate Bucuresti made further changes, bringing on Darius Soreata for Leo Tudor due to injury, and Filip Marchis replaced Cristian Savino as they sought to maintain their lead.
As the match approached its final stages, Christian Müler made a vital clearance in the 80th minute, preventing a potential equaliser from the visitors. However, he was later penalised for a late tackle in the 87th minute, although no penalty was awarded.
The match concluded with A.S. Cetate Bucuresti securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory, a result that showcased their resilience and tactical nous in the face of adversity. The referee's performance was commendable, contributing to an engaging spectacle that will be remembered by both sets of supporters.