CS Aerostar Bacau 1-1 CSM Vaslui | Romanian Cup First Round
CS Aerostar Bacau and CSM Vaslui played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the opening round of the Romanian Cup on 29 July 2026. The match, held at Stadionul Aerostar in Bacau, saw both sides share the spoils after a tightly contested 90 minutes.
Match Overview
From the first whistle, it was clear that both teams were intent on advancing in the competition. Aerostar Bacau, representing the city with a strong tradition in lower‑league football, took the initiative early on. They controlled possession in the opening quarter, but Vaslui’s disciplined defensive shape kept them at bay.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Aerostar’s midfielder, Ionuț Popescu, latched onto a defence‑splitting pass and slotted past the Vaslui goalkeeper. The home crowd erupted, sensing a possible route to the next round. Vaslui, however, refused to wilt. They grew into the match and finally equalised just before half‑time, with a powerful header from a corner kick that left the Bacau keeper with no chance.
Second Half Drama
The second half was a more cautious affair, with neither side willing to risk losing the tie. Both coaches made tactical substitutions, but clear‑cut chances remained scarce. Aerostar thought they had won it in the 78th minute when a looping cross found the head of striker Marius Gheorghiu, only for the ball to cannon back off the crossbar.
Vaslui defended resolutely in the closing stages, and the match ended 1‑1 after 90 minutes. In Romanian Cup ties that are level after regulation, extra time or a penalty shootout may be required depending on the round regulations. However, for this first‑round encounter, the stand‑alone scoreline of 1‑1 suggests the tie may still be alive pending the competition’s specific tie‑breaker rules.
Standout Players
- Ionuț Popescu (Aerostar) – The midfielder’s incisive passing and well‑taken goal made him the hosts’ most dangerous player.
- Adrian Munteanu (Vaslui) – The Vaslui centre‑back was a rock at the back, winning numerous headers and organising the defensive line effectively.
With the result, both teams will have to wait for the official announcement on whether extra time or a replay will decide who progresses. The Romanian Cup remains a prestigious competition, and fans from both clubs will be hoping their side can go further.

