Politehnica wants to have another beautiful evening in the Romanian Cup tomorrow, December 1st, at the “Dan Paltinisanu” arena. And Timisoara fans can support the team again, just three days after the important victory in the championship. This time we receive the visit of another white-violet with tradition in Romanian football – the first division FC Argeș. At stake: access to the semi-finals of the K.O. competition!

“We expect a very difficult game, that’s clear, FC Argeș is one of the good teams of the first league. They proved it in the game in Arad. It’s a pragmatic team, an experienced team and it’s clear that they normally start with the first chance. But the same thing happened with Rapid. Our chances, as many as there are, we have to play them until the end“, said Nicolae Croitoru, Politehnica’s head coach.

The game against Pitesti comes just three days after the 2-1 success in League 2 against CSA Steaua at the same venue, which is why the old arena’s turf is not expected to be in the best conditions. “The pitch was quite soft, it remains to be seen what the weather will be like in the coming days,” Croitoru said. Our team will not be able to count on the services of Sebastian Serediuc and Harrison Devenish-Meares (injured) for this match either.

Wednesday’s two opponents met in League 2 more than two years ago. On October 5, 2019 it was 3-0 for Politehnica on the “Science”. The match in which captain Ioan Mera scored a “double”! That championship was interrupted after only 24 rounds due to coronavirus, but Argeșenii being in the “Top 6” played a play-off after which they were promoted to the first stage.

“Naturally, it will be harder with FC Argeș, they are a team that plays well, they have results, they are fighting for the play-off, it will be a tough match, but we are playing our chance and maybe we will go further in the Romanian Cup“, said Ioan Mera. He also spoke after the last championship game about the poor state of the Banat’s main stadium: “The pitch is pretty bad… it has looked bad for a few years. They should tear it down, make another stadium. Every year the new stadium is put on Facebook… I don’t want to get into politics, but something should be done for this city!“.

Piteștenii are in 7th place in League I, with 27 points after 17 games played. In the K.O. Argeș beat Dinamo (2-1) in the last 16 and FC Botoșani (4-2) in the last 16. Our team got past Șoimii Lipova (2-1), Unirea Slobozia (1-1) and FC Rapid (2-0).

The match Politehnica Timișoara – Champions FC Argeș will be played tomorrow, on National Day, at 18.30, at the “Dan Păltinișanu” stadium. The duel counts for the quarter-finals of the Romanian Cup and is a one-off. Spectator access is allowed, subject to the regulations in force. More information about tickets HERE.

Photo: Sebastian Tătaru