Gigi Becali demands faster midfield play from FCSB after 4-1 win over Rapid

FCSB defeated Rapid București with a final score of 4-1 at Arena Națională in front of more than 20,000 spectators. The match saw the home side recover from a halftime deficit to secure a decisive victory in the derby.

Rapid took the lead in the 11th minute through a goal by Stolijkovic. This strike gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage at halftime, putting FCSB under early pressure in front of their home crowd.

FCSB turned the game around in the second half. Karlo Muhar equalized for the hosts in the 58th minute. Aymen Boutoutaou then scored ten minutes later to put FCSB ahead. Boutoutaou added another goal shortly after to extend the lead, and Joao Paulo scored in the 80th minute to complete the 4-1 result.

Boutoutaou was instrumental in the comeback after entering the match at halftime. He scored two goals and provided the assist for Joao Paulo's strike. His performance highlighted his value to the squad after joining from Sochaux in the summer for a fee of 1.3 million euros.

Coach Laurențiu Reghecampf had insisted on keeping Boutoutaou in the squad due to his high potential, despite earlier willingness from owner Gigi Becali to release him. Reghecampf previously told Becali that Boutoutaou is a Champions League level player. Mihai Stoica noted that Denis Drăguş was impressed by Boutoutaou during training sessions.

Following the match, Gigi Becali issued instructions for the midfield. He stated that players Muhar, Radunovic, and Korenica need to play faster, similar to their performances at CFR Cluj. Becali also expressed dissatisfaction with the first half displays of Miculescu and Korenica.

Becali claimed he had no fear when Rapid led at halftime and told MM that FCSB would win easily. However, he acknowledged the stakes, stating that a loss to Rapid would have ended FCSB's title hopes. He identified Pădurariu as the second best FCSB player after Boutoutaou.

The result leaves FCSB in sixth place in the league table with 21 points after 13 stages. Rapid remains in second place with 27 points. Becali also stated that Andrei Drăguș will play for thirty minutes against U Cluj in the next fixture.