Chindia Targoviste (W) win 5-3 thriller against Petrolul Ploiesti (W) in Romanian Women's Cup

Chindia Targoviste (W) advanced from a remarkable Romanian Women's Cup tie after beating Petrolul Ploiesti (W) 5-3 on 28 October 2026. The match produced eight goals, swings in momentum and a late finish that finally settled a contest which had threatened to go either way.

Chindia's attacking quality in the final third made the difference, but Petrolul Ploiesti contributed fully to an open, entertaining cup night. The scoreline reflects the game's end-to-end nature: both teams pressed high at times, both teams found space in transition, and neither defence was able to fully control the opposition's movement.

Match overview

Chindia Targoviste started with purpose and were rewarded for their early pressure. Their midfield pressed aggressively, forcing Petrolul into hurried clearances, and the home side used the width of the pitch to stretch the defence. Two early goals gave Chindia control and forced Petrolul to respond.

Petrolul Ploiesti refused to fold. They pulled a goal back before half-time and then equalised early in the second half, turning the match into a back-and-forth cup tie. From there, the game became a test of nerve as much as quality, with both teams committing numbers forward.

Key moments

• Fast start: Chindia Targoviste opened the scoring after sustained pressure, with a low finish from inside the box.
• Two-goal cushion: A second goal followed as Chindia's wide play created space for a cut-back and a composed finish.
• Petrolul response: The visitors reduced the deficit before the break with a well-worked move that split the Chindia defence.
• Second-half equaliser: Petrolul Ploiesti levelled early in the second half, finishing a quick transition and silencing the home crowd.
• Chindia regain control: Two more Chindia goals restored a cushion, one from a set piece and one from a counterattack.
• Late drama: Petrolul made it 4-3 and pushed for an equaliser, but Chindia sealed the win with a fifth goal in the closing stages.

The goalkeepers were busy throughout, and the match could have produced even more goals. A crucial save at 3-2 kept Chindia ahead at a pivotal moment, while Petrolul's finishing in the final 20 minutes kept the tie alive until the very end.

Tactical story: pressing, width and transitions

Chindia Targoviste's plan was clear: press Petrolul's build-up, win the ball in midfield and attack quickly through the flanks. Their wide players stretched the defence, allowing the central forwards to find pockets of space. When Chindia moved the ball quickly, Petrolul struggled to recover their shape.

Petrolul Ploiesti's best moments came from direct play and set pieces. They competed well in the air, pressed for second balls and used the space behind Chindia's full-backs. Their comeback showed character, but the goals they conceded came from losing duels in midfield and allowing Chindia to attack with numbers.

Standout performers

Chindia's forward line deserved credit for sharing the attacking load, with the centre-forward's movement creating space for team-mates throughout. In midfield, Chindia's captain controlled the tempo and helped the side regroup after Petrolul's equaliser. For Petrolul Ploiesti, the attacking midfielder was the driving force behind the comeback, while their goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score within reach.

What the result means

The win sends Chindia Targoviste through in the Romanian Women's Cup and gives the squad a confidence boost from a high-scoring knockout performance. Petrolul Ploiesti exit despite a spirited second-half display, but their three goals show they can trouble strong opposition.

For Chindia, the challenge now is to carry the attacking momentum into the next fixture while tightening the defensive gaps that allowed Petrolul back into the game. In cup football, a five-goal performance is memorable, but a cleaner defensive display will be just as valuable in the next round. The 5-3 result will go down as one of the more entertaining Romanian Women's Cup matches of the season.