„Nu am fost deloc supărat” — Baiaram rupe tăcerea după momentul care i-a pus pe toți pe jar la Craiova
Football matches are often remembered for goals, results, and points gained or lost. But sometimes, a single gesture can overshadow everything that happens on the pitch. That was the case after Universitatea Craiova’s 2–0 away victory against FC Hermannstadt, a match that seemed straightforward on paper but quickly turned into one of the most discussed games of the SuperLiga weekend. At the center of the debate stood Ștefan Baiaram, the scorer of Craiova’s second goal, and a brief moment that sparked speculation, criticism, and intense discussion across Romanian football.
The match itself carried significance even before kickoff. It was Round 20 of the SuperLiga, a crucial stage of the season where every point matters, especially for teams chasing the top spots. For FC Hermannstadt, the game marked the debut of Dorinel Munteanu as head coach, a figure synonymous with discipline, intensity, and high expectations. For Universitatea Craiova, it was another test of consistency under Filipe Coelho, as the Oltenians aimed to keep pressure on the teams above them in the standings.
A professional performance in Sibiu
From the opening whistle, Universitatea Craiova looked like a team with clear objectives. They approached the match with confidence, control, and patience, knowing that Hermannstadt would be motivated to impress under their new coach. The visitors did not rush unnecessarily but waited for the right moments to strike.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute. After a well-constructed move down the left flank, Nicușor Bancu delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Al Hamlawi timed his run perfectly and met the ball with a strong header, sending it past the goalkeeper and giving Craiova a deserved 1–0 lead. It was a goal that reflected preparation and chemistry, two elements that have increasingly defined Craiova’s play this season.
Rather than retreat after scoring, Craiova continued to control possession and dictate the rhythm of the game. Hermannstadt struggled to find solutions, and their attempts to build attacks were often stopped before becoming truly dangerous. About fifteen minutes after the opening goal, the visitors struck again.
This time, Ștefan Baiaram was the protagonist. Finding space at the right moment, he finished calmly to double Craiova’s advantage. The goal underlined his growing importance in the team and his ability to contribute decisively in crucial moments. At that stage, Craiova appeared firmly in control, while Hermannstadt faced an uphill battle.
A quiet response from Hermannstadt
Despite the scoreline, Hermannstadt did not completely disappear from the game. In the second half, they attempted to respond, encouraged by the presence of Dorinel Munteanu on the bench and the desire to show resilience in his first match.
Their first real opportunity came in the 51st minute, when Chițu found himself in a promising position inside the penalty area. However, Craiova goalkeeper Isenko reacted quickly and blocked the attempt, preserving his team’s two-goal lead. Later, in the 68th minute, Gjorgjievski tried his luck with a header, but once again Isenko was equal to the task and pushed the ball away.
Those moments represented Hermannstadt’s best chances, but they were not enough to change the course of the match. Craiova defended calmly, avoided unnecessary risks, and managed the final minutes with maturity. When the final whistle blew, the 2–0 scoreline reflected the balance of the game.
The victory took Universitatea Craiova to 37 points, placing them fourth in the league table and within touching distance of the leaders. Hermannstadt, on the other hand, remained second from bottom, in 15th place with 12 points, facing a difficult battle to climb out of the danger zone.
The moment that changed the conversation
While the result was important, it was not what dominated post-match discussions. Instead, attention shifted to the 55th minute, when Filipe Coelho decided to substitute Ștefan Baiaram. On the surface, it was a routine decision, possibly influenced by the congested fixture schedule and the desire to manage player workload.
However, Baiaram’s reaction caught the eye. As he left the pitch, cameras captured him heading straight toward the tunnel instead of sitting on the bench. The images spread quickly, and speculation followed almost immediately. Was he angry? Was he protesting the decision? Was there tension between the player and the coach?
In Romanian football, such moments rarely go unnoticed. Every gesture is analyzed, replayed, and interpreted, often without full context. Within minutes, social media, television studios, and fan forums were buzzing with opinions.
Baiaram speaks out: clearing the air
After the match, Ștefan Baiaram addressed the situation directly in the flash interview. Calm and composed, he explained what had really happened and expressed surprise at the scale of the reaction.
“Everyone told me about it, even on the bench,” Baiaram said. “I went to the bathroom and then came back. I was surprised that people, even my teammates, were saying it like that. Then I returned.”
His explanation was simple and straightforward. There was no protest, no hidden message, and no conflict. Yet, the fact that such a minor action could generate so much debate highlights the pressure and scrutiny faced by players at this level.
Beyond the controversy, Baiaram focused on what truly matters to him: the team’s success and his personal ambitions with Universitatea Craiova.
“I want to win the title with Universitatea Craiova. This has been my dream since I started playing football,” he said. “I also want to qualify for the European spring. After that, I can think about other things.”
A demanding schedule and a tired squad
Baiaram also spoke honestly about the challenges his team faces due to the crowded fixture list. Like many clubs competing on multiple fronts, Craiova has had to manage fatigue, travel, and limited recovery time.
“It was a tough match, especially since we played an important game three days ago,” he admitted. “We knew it would be difficult, and we could have scored more goals. We’re happy we won and we’re going home happy.”
His words reflected a player aware of the physical and mental demands of the season. In such circumstances, substitutions are often a matter of necessity rather than choice, aimed at preserving fitness and preventing injuries.
Why gestures matter in modern football
Even though Baiaram clarified the situation, the episode raises a broader question about perception in modern football. Players are constantly under observation, not just for their performance but also for their behavior. A look, a shrug, or a short walk toward the tunnel can be interpreted as defiance or dissatisfaction, even when there is an innocent explanation.
For players like Baiaram, who are considered key assets and potential transfer targets, this scrutiny is even more intense. Clubs, fans, and analysts expect them to be role models, both on and off the pitch. Any sign of frustration can be magnified and used to question attitude or professionalism.
This is why voices from within the football community often emphasize the importance of image and communication. In a league where narratives can change quickly, managing perception becomes almost as important as delivering results.
Craiova’s bigger picture
From Universitatea Craiova’s perspective, the win in Sibiu was another step toward their seasonal objectives. The team has shown growing stability, a clearer identity, and the ability to win matches away from home, a crucial factor in any title challenge.
Baiaram’s goal underlined his value to the squad, while the overall performance demonstrated balance and discipline. The fact that the team could control the match and limit Hermannstadt’s chances speaks to improved organization and confidence.
Internally, situations like the one involving Baiaram are likely handled calmly and professionally. Coaches and club officials understand that moments of misunderstanding can happen, especially in a demanding season. What matters is how quickly such issues are clarified and resolved.
Dorinel Munteanu’s first test
On the opposite side, Dorinel Munteanu’s debut as Hermannstadt’s head coach ended in defeat, but it also offered him valuable insights. He inherited a team struggling for points and confidence, and his task will be to rebuild belief and structure.
Facing a strong opponent like Craiova in his first match was never going to be easy. Still, the moments of resistance shown by Hermannstadt in the second half could serve as a foundation for improvement in the coming weeks.
A lesson in modern football reality
The Baiaram episode serves as a reminder of how quickly football stories can shift. One moment, the focus is on a well-taken goal and a solid team victory. The next, a brief walk toward the tunnel becomes the headline.
For Baiaram, the message was clear: he remains committed, ambitious, and focused on collective success. For fans and analysts, it was a lesson in caution, showing how easily assumptions can form without full information.
Conclusion: football beyond the scoreline
Universitatea Craiova’s 2–0 victory at Hermannstadt will be remembered as an important step in their league campaign. But it will also be remembered as the match that sparked debate far beyond the final score.
Ștefan Baiaram’s explanation brought clarity to a situation that had grown disproportionately large. His words reflected maturity, ambition, and loyalty to the club. In the end, what truly matters is not the noise created by brief moments, but the consistency shown over a long and demanding season.
As the SuperLiga continues, both Baiaram and Universitatea Craiova will aim to let their football speak louder than any gesture. In a sport where every detail is scrutinized, staying focused on the ultimate goals may be the hardest challenge of all.
