In a dramatic semifinal clash of the Romanian Cup tournament, champion Dinamo (Bucharest) ended its participation, despite a convincing victory at home. At the Polyvalent Hall, the capital team defeated SCM Zalau with a 3:0 (26:24, 25:21, 26:24) score, but lost the decisive golden set 13:15 and were eliminated from the competition.
Dinamo entered the match extremely mobilized after the 1:3 defeat in the first game. The hosts started strong and snatched the first set after a contested battle – 26:24. In the second set, control was more palpable, logically leading to a 25:21 score. The third set again offered tension until the last ball, but it was also won by Dinamo – 26:24, which led the clash to a golden set.
At the decisive moment, however, SCM Zalau showed stronger nerves, managing to take an 8:5 lead and snatching the victory with 15:13, thereby securing a spot in the final.
Bulgarian outside hitter Branimir Grozdanov scored 3 points from attack, having entered the game only in the first set.
With its elimination, Dinamo failed to improve its ranking from last season, when it also finished third in the tournament.
In the final, SCM Zalau will face Corona Brasov, who eliminated Arcada Galati also after a golden set. The decisive match for the trophy is scheduled for April 5.