Rapid win in final seconds as Pancu says team can reach the podium

Rapid ended its long wait for a first-division win at Galați, scoring the only goal on the final move of a tense 1-0 match against Oțelul. The Bucharest side had not won a league match there since 2008, when Daniel Pancu, now its coach, was still a player.

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A difficult match, a match on a very difficult pitch. We knew it was very hard to win here. We believed until the end and were rewarded.

The game remained balanced for most of the night. Oțelul goalkeeper Dur-Bozoancă stopped Dobre's long-range effort in the 71st minute, but the rebound fell to Stojilkovic, who failed to convert from a promising position. Oțelul was reduced to 10 men in the 78th minute when Patrick received a second yellow card.

The hosts held out until the third minute of stoppage time. Pașcanu then headed in from a corner to give Rapid a victory that moved the team back into the top three. After the match, he said the players had kept believing and had been rewarded at the end.

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The joy is much greater when you win on the final move. A major, deserved victory.

Pancu celebrated with his players and called the result a major, deserved win. He said Rapid had looked tired and lacked energy in the first half, but added that he was convinced the team could become strong enough to finish among the top three. He also said the red card helped Rapid create more chances.

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I am absolutely convinced that this team can become very strong, meaning a team for the top three places.