Politehnica played much better than in the previous round, but they met a much stronger opponent than Dumbravita and lost again, also 1-3.

Constrained by the suspensions of the left defenders Taub and Oanea, Tavi Benga moved D. Radu, but also changed the system, adopting a 4-4-2, in which Gîdea moved up top and Stojanovic changed sides, moving to the right. Among the reserves, three players born 2006 (including… Aurel Vlaicu).

Since the 10th minute, the white-violet team was led. Hlistei won a penalty and Vașvari converted it.Just five minutes later it was 2-0, the same Hlistei, a former UTA and Rapid player, scoring from the penalty area following a corner from the right.

Stojanovic sends a shot that is saved by the goalkeeper (18). Gîdea imitates him a minute later. In the 27th minute, Finica shoots, Murariu saves in the corner. From the corner, Hlistei shoots just wide. In the last minute of the first half, Finica shoots from the left, again Murariu saves in the corner.

The second half starts with a chance for Bîrnoi, who shoots, but the goalkeeper saves (47). Itu sends from close range, Murariu concedes a corner (53). Gîdea escapes alone on the counter-attack, but is caught behind (54). Itu misses a great chance, shooting over the goal from the penalty area (59).

The hosts get the goal. Benzar, just in, receives a pass from the right, enters the box and scores alone with the goalkeeper (67). With seven minutes to go, the die is finally cast. Alin Roman, from Sânandrei, finishes a one-two from the penalty area.

The hosts try to score through Benzar (90, free kick over) and Gavra (90+3, header wide).

It’s final, 1-3, against a team from a city that has come to love football a lot more.

Politehnica Timișoara: Murariu – Mada, Bocșan (c), Sekulic, D. Radu – Stojanovic (60, D. Benzar), Ignea (60, T. Călin), Tiihonen (90, Târșa), Bîrnoi – Gîdea (89, Marincu), Gavra. Reserves: D. Moldovan – Erceanu, Boariu, Vlaicu, Porumb. Coach: Octavian Benga

Politehnica Iasi: Jankov – Martac, Fl. Plămadă (c), Katanec, Finica – Vașvari (66, Telcean), Itu (88, Mogoș), A. Roman – Musi (46, A. Dumitru), Harrison (46, Vojtus), Hlistei (82, R. Ion). Reserves: Brînză – Kouadio, Tincu, Ștefanovici. Coach: Leontin Grozavu