Minerul Lupeni defeated Unirea Slobozia 1-0 in the Romanian Cup final on Tuesday, securing the trophy with a goal in the 65th minute. The match took place at the home ground of Minerul Lupeni, with the final whistle blowing after a goal was added in stoppage time at 90+3 minutes.
Unirea Slobozia were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute following a red card, the same period when Minerul Lupeni's decisive goal was scored. The dismissal left the visitors exposed for much of the second half, though they managed to create several chances despite the numerical disadvantage.
The statistics tell a story of contrasting approaches. Unirea Slobozia controlled 55 per cent of possession and registered 72 attacks, but could only muster three shots on target. Minerul Lupeni, with 45 per cent possession and 85 attacks, were more clinical, landing six shots on target to convert one into their winner.
The home side's efficiency proved decisive. They completed 26 throw-ins compared to Unirea's 25, and while both teams committed similar numbers of offsides, Minerul Lupeni's discipline under pressure was evident despite their red card. The away team collected four yellow cards to their hosts' five, suggesting a tightly contested affair.
Minerul Lupeni's recent form had been mixed, with defeats to Jiul Petroşani in back-to-back seasons and a goalless draw against Caransebeş. This cup victory ends that barren spell for the Romanian side, who now hold the silverware after a hard-fought final.