CSM Târgu Jiu and CSM Râmnicu Vâlcea drew 0:0 after extra time in the Romanian Cup semi-finals on Tuesday evening. The match went to a penalty shootout after 120 minutes of goalless football. A penalty shootout followed the stalemate, with both sides taking attempts. The shootout saw several conversions and misses before one team emerged victorious.
Târgu Jiu came into the tie with mixed recent form. They beat Păușești 2:0 on 5 August and lost 3:2 to Vulturni Fărcășești on 29 July. Their last competitive appearance before this cup tie was a 1:3 defeat to Slătina in January. Râmnicu Vâlcea had been more consistent in their recent run. They defeated Steaua 2:1 on 8 August and drew 1:1 with Popești-Lăzăreni on 1 August.
The hosts played in driving rain during the second half, which made ball control difficult for both sides. Târgu Jiu tried to press high but found Râmnicu Vâlcea difficult to break down. The visitors felt the pressure in the final twenty minutes but held their shape. Neither side could force the decisive moment that would have ended the tie in regular play.
The penalty shootout stretched to seven rounds of attempts. Several takers missed, including two early efforts that went astray. Goals came in the middle rounds, with both sides converting under pressure. The shootout ended after seven pairs of attempts, with the winning team scoring four penalties while the opposition missed four.
Târgu Jiu will now turn their attention to the league, where they cannot afford another slip. Râmnicu Vâlcea will look to build on their cup success and recent positive results. Both clubs have confirmed their squads for the next round of fixtures this weekend.