Zimbru Chisinau came from behind to beat city rivals FC Politehnica Chisinau 2-1 in the Moldovan Super Liga on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in a hard-fought Chisinau derby that was decided by a second-half surge from the hosts.

A Derby with Real Edge

Matches between the two Chisinau clubs have taken on extra significance in recent seasons, and this one followed the familiar pattern: tight, physical and decided by fine margins. Zimbru, one of the most decorated clubs in Moldovan football history, went into the game as favourites, but Politehnica arrived with a clear plan to sit deep, break up play and hit on the counter.

The visitors' approach worked perfectly for the opening half-hour. Zimbru dominated possession but struggled to find gaps against a well-organised defensive block, and when Politehnica won the ball they moved it forward quickly and with real purpose.

Key Moments

• First half – Politehnica take a shock lead against the run of play, punishing Zimbru for a loose pass in midfield with a swift counter-attack and a composed finish.
• Half-time – Zimbru go in behind, prompting a tactical reshuffle from the home bench.
• Second half – The hosts increase the tempo, push their full-backs higher and begin to pin Politehnica back.
• Equaliser – Zimbru level the score with a well-worked move, finished off from close range after a cross from the right.
• Late winner – With the game heading towards a draw, Zimbru strike again, converting a set-piece to complete the comeback.

Tactical Story

Zimbru's first-half problem was patience. They circulated the ball well but too slowly, allowing Politehnica's midfield to shuffle across and close the gaps. After the break, the hosts stretched the pitch, attacked the flanks more directly and committed more bodies into the box — a change that turned territorial dominance into genuine chances.

Politehnica, who had defended bravely, tired as the second half wore on. Their counter-attacks became less frequent, and the pressure eventually told. It was a reminder of how difficult it is to hold a lead against a side of Zimbru's pedigree at the Stadionul Zimbru.

Standout Performers

Zimbru's midfield engine drove the comeback, winning second balls and dictating the rhythm of the second half. The goalscorers will take the headlines, but the full-backs' willingness to push forward was just as important. For Politehnica, the goalkeeper and central defenders produced a disciplined display that kept the game alive until the closing stages.

What It Means for the Table

The three points keep Zimbru in the leading pack of the Moldovan Super Liga standings and preserve their momentum in the early part of the campaign. Politehnica, meanwhile, will take encouragement from a performance that showed they can compete with the division's established powers, even if the result slipped away. The Chisinau derby remains one of the most keenly contested fixtures on the Moldovan football calendar.