Rapid loses at home in Superliga round 20

League leaders Rapid Bucharest were defeated 2–0 (1–0) by Oțelul Galați on Saturday evening in Giulești, in the 20th round of Romania’s Superliga, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

Oțelul earned a deserved victory through goals scored by Pedro Nuno in the 17th minute, with a shot from inside the box after a pass back from Denis Bodrun, and by Paul Iacob in the 80th minute—former Rapid player—who scored from a free kick from around 25 meters.

The visitors created more and better chances, but goalkeeper Marian Aioani stood out with saves against shots by Andrezinho (36), Pedro Nuno (52), Bodrun (59), and Paulinho’s header (60). Paulinho also hit the crossbar from six meters in the 58th minute.

For Rapid, Claudiu Petrila shot wide early on (6), and in the second half he was blocked at the last moment by Andrei Rus (72). Alexandru Dobre’s effort (26) was slightly deflected wide, while Elvir Koljić’s header (49) was saved by Cosmin Dur-Bozoancă.

Attendance was 8,137 spectators.

The ceremonial kickoff was taken by Santa Claus.

Rapid have just one win in their last four matches, alongside one draw and two defeats. Oțelul have only one loss in their last six games, with three wins and two draws.

The first-leg match ended in a 1–1 draw.

The two teams have met 58 times in Romania’s top division: Rapid have won 27 matches, Oțelul 17, and 14 ended in draws. In matches hosted by Rapid, the Bucharest side has 21 wins from 29 games, with five draws and three Oțelul victories.

Oțelul’s last league win against Rapid before this match dated back to September 1, 2014, when they won 2–0.

Match details

FC Rapid Bucharest – ASC Oțelul Galați 0–2 (0–1)

Giulești Superbet Arena – Bucharest

Goals: Pedro Nuno (17), Paul Iacob (80)

Referee: Cristian Moldoveanu (Sfântu Gheorghe)