Mihai Stoica explains pitch celebration and interaction with Viorel Hrebenciuc after FCSB victory

FCSB defeated Rapid 4-1 in a SuperLiga derby match played at Arena Națională on Saturday, 24 October. The game started at 21:00 and saw the home side recover from an early deficit to secure a comprehensive victory.

Rapid opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Stojilkovic. FCSB responded with goals from Muhar in the 58th minute and Joao Paulo in the 79th minute. Aymen Boutoutaou scored twice for FCSB, finding the net in the 68th and 81st minutes.

Following the final whistle, FCSB moved to sixth place in the SuperLiga standings with 21 points. Rapid remained on 27 points, though their position was uncertain as they risked losing second place depending on the result of the match between Universitatea Craiova and Sepsi.

Mihai Stoica addressed criticism regarding his behavior during the match. He explained that an apparent conflict with Viorel Hrebenciuc in the stands was actually a joke concerning Aymen Boutoutaou. Stoica stated that the interaction was not a genuine dispute.

Stoica also faced scrutiny for leaving the stands to celebrate on the pitch before the match had officially ended. Digi Sport commentator Ionuț Angheluță criticized the gesture, describing it as fake and driven by public relations motives.

In response, Stoica denied being a PR-ist and claimed his reaction was not premeditated. He stated that he went onto the pitch to be near coach Reghecampf and player Boutoutaou after realizing the win was secure. To prove his point, Stoica threw his new jacket into the stands, forgetting that money was inside.

During the match, club owner Gigi Becali called Mihai Stoica at halftime. Becali predicted a certain victory for FCSB and made comments regarding the French player. Stoica also spoke to Denis Drăguş during the game, mentioning the sword of Damocles before Drăguş contributed to the third goal.

Stoica praised Denis Drăguş, claiming he is the best player ever brought to the club. The report also noted unrelated details about other players, including Lukic’s career path and a failed swap deal involving Nsimba, but these did not impact the immediate match outcome.