Tunari edged past Lindab Ștefănești with a hard-fought 2-1 victory in the Romanian Cup on 12 August 2026, booking their place in the next round with a determined home display. The match, played at a lively stadium in Tunari, saw the hosts recover from an early scare to produce a resilient performance in front of their supporters.

Match Overview

The Romanian Cup tie began in cagey fashion, with both sides wary of the occasion. Lindab Ștefănești, known for their disciplined defensive structure, looked to frustrate Tunari and hit on the counter. However, it was Tunari who controlled much of the possession, moving the ball quickly across midfield and pressing high up the pitch.

Despite their dominance, Tunari were caught out just before the half-hour mark. A swift break down the right flank from Lindab Ștefănești ended with a composed finish that silenced the home crowd. The setback sparked an immediate response from Tunari, who increased the tempo and began carving out clearer chances as the half wore on.

Key Moments

• Lindab Ștefănești take the lead: A well-timed counter-attack punished Tunari's high line.
• Tunari equalise: A scrappy goal from a corner restored parity before the interval, giving the hosts renewed belief.
• Winning goal: Tunari sealed the tie with a clinical second-half strike, finishing off a flowing move that cut through the Lindab defence.

Tactical Story

Tunari manager Mihai Ionescu switched to a more direct approach after conceding, with wide deliveries and second balls becoming a recurring threat. The equaliser came directly from that tactical shift, and the winning goal followed a sustained period of pressure. Lindab Ștefănești, to their credit, stayed compact and looked dangerous on the break, but Tunari's midfield superiority gradually wore them down.

Standout Players

Tunari's central midfielder controlled the tempo and was instrumental in both goals, while their striker's movement caused constant problems for the Lindab backline. At the other end, Lindab's goalkeeper made several sharp saves to keep the tie alive until the final whistle.

Romanian Cup Context

The Romanian Cup remains a prized opportunity for clubs outside the top flight to claim silverware and secure European qualification. For Tunari, this victory represents another step toward a deeper cup run and a chance to test themselves against elite opposition. Lindab Ștefănești exit with heads held high after showing character and organisation, but they will rue the defensive lapses that ultimately decided the contest.

With the 2-1 win secured, Tunari now await the draw for the next round, hoping to continue their cup journey in front of their passionate home faithful.