# FCSB Finds Form, CFR Cluj Stumbles as Liga I Heats Up
BUCHAREST, Romania - Week four of the Liga I season has injected a fresh wave of excitement into Romanian football. FCSB, after a somewhat shaky start, delivered a convincing 2-0 victory over Universitatea Craiova, showcasing a renewed tactical discipline. Meanwhile, perennial champions CFR Cluj suffered a surprising 1-0 loss away to Rapid București, raising questions about their early season consistency.
FCSB's triumph was built on a solid defensive foundation and incisive counter-attacks. Coach Elias Iordănescu's decision to switch to a more compact 4-4-2 formation paid dividends, stifling Craiova's creative midfielders. Midfielder Octavian Popescu, often criticized for inconsistency, was instrumental, scoring a superb long-range effort. "We needed this win, not just for the points, but for the confidence," Iordănescu stated. "The players showed great character and executed the game plan perfectly. This is the FCSB we want to be."
The victory was a testament to FCSB's ability to adapt, with their wingers tracking back diligently and the central midfield pairing dominating possession. The clean sheet was particularly pleasing for Iordănescu, whose side had conceded soft goals in previous weeks.
In contrast, CFR Cluj's visit to the Giulești Stadium proved to be a frustrating affair. Rapid București, buoyed by their passionate home support, pressed Cluj relentlessly, disrupting their rhythm. A solitary goal from Rapid's striker, Marko Dugandžić, was enough to seal a famous victory. Cluj's usually robust defense looked vulnerable, and their attack lacked the customary cutting edge.
CFR Cluj manager Dan Petrescu expressed his disappointment, "We weren't sharp enough. Rapid deserved the win; they fought harder. We need to analyze this quickly and bounce back. This league is unforgiving."
The results suggest a more competitive Liga I season, with FCSB finding their stride and Rapid București emerging as a potential dark horse. The traditional dominance of Cluj is being challenged, promising a thrilling campaign ahead.