Romania: Bacau and Gloria crash out

Few shooting chances
Bacau, fifth in Divizia A, were a goal behind inside 16 minutes against a Bihor side eager to show why they are among the favourites for promotion to the top flight, Krisztian Kenesi the scorer. Despite an improved second-half performance Bacau created few shooting chances to show for their supremacy and Ramses Gado doubled the visitors' lead on 69 minutes. The conversion of an injury-time penalty by Bacau's top scorer, Catalin Cursaru, offered scant consolation.

Other upset
The other upset was delivered by Extensiv, top of one of the two second-division groups, who defeated Gloria thanks to a fine 57th-minute goal from Pavel Sola. In all, ten of the 16 first-division sides have now exited the competition, after this latest round of matches, all played on neutral grounds.

Lucky to win
Champions FC Steaua Bucuresti have been struggling for form in recent weeks and they showed their lack of confidence in a tie with second-division CSM Resita from which they were lucky to emerge 2-1 winners. Resita opened the score through a 13th-minute penalty from San Siro Ciocoi, but Romanian international Mirel Radoi equalised with a spectacular 20-metre free-kick seven minutes later.

A minute from time
Radoi's strike was the ideal way to mark his return from injury, which had saw him miss Steaua's last three league games. Steaua coach Victor Piturca, who had started the match with some of the squad's fringe players, threw striker Claudiu Raducanu into the fray in the second half and the man who scored the winner in their last league match against UM Timisoara did the trick again. Raducanus struck a minute from time to secure Steaua's progress to the last eight.

Headed the only goal
FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt struggled to overcome Cimentul Fieni, another second-division side and conquerors of FC Universitatea Craiova in the last round. Indeed they had to thank Cimentul goalkeeper, Mihai Ilie, for the 64th-minute error that let in Constantin Enache to head the game's only goal.

Down to ten men
FC Rapid Bucuresti beat FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti 2-0 to avenge their first league defeat of the season in Pitesti just four days earlier. Daniel Pancu returned from suspension for Rapid but it was Razvan Rat who gave them the lead with a header on 14 minutes. Nine minutes later both teams were down to ten men as Rapid defender Dorel Mutica and Arges goalkeeper Sorin Colceag were dismissed after coming to blows. Adrian Iencsi made sure of Rapid's victory with a breakaway goal in the 74th minute.

Virtual reserve side
FC Brasov enjoyed a 5-0 victory over Minaur Zlatna of the second division, 17-year-old Florin Surdu among their scorers, while SC Astra Ploiesti beat an under-strength UM Timisoara 4-0. Timisoara, bottom of the top flight, fielded a virtual reserve side to keep their first-choice players fresh for their relegation fight.

Ilie the star
Finally, FC Dinamo Bucuresti hit six without reply against CF Sportul Studentesc. Sabin Ilie was the star performer, scoring twice on his return from the club's satellite team, Dinamo Poiana Campina. Ilie scored on 28 and 51 minutes against a Sportul side reduced to ten men by the 43rd-minute dismissal of Constantin Secareanu, sent off for a professional foul.

Struck the woodwork
Dinamo's other goals came from Ovidiu Stanga (62), Vali Nastase (86), Giani Kirita (89) and Iulian Tames (90). Dinamo also struck the woodwork four times and such was their supremacy it was not until the 32nd minute that Sportul managed their first incursion into the Dinamo penalty area.