Romania round-up: Steaua halt losing streak

Champions FC Steaua Bucuresti drew 1-1 with FC Petrolul Ploiesti on Sunday to halt a run of three straight defeats.

'Fantastic pressure'
Steaua have not won any of their last six games, a fact that symbolises something of a crisis for the capital side. "We play under a fantastic amount pressure. We, the players, are guilty for what has happened," midfield player Erik Lincar said, referring at the hostile attitude of the Steaua fans towards the trainer Victor Piturca.

Early goal
Steaua were desperate for a win to preserve their chances of the UEFA Cup place next term, while Petrolul needed a result to enhance their chances of survival in the top flight. Petrolul made the early running, taking the lead in the third minute. Marius Irimescu was on hand to convert a fine cross of Orlando Gheorghe.

Raducanu equaliser
Gheorghe missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 at the start of the second period and his miss stirred Steaua into action. The visitors eventually equalised when Claudiu Raducanu met a cross by Florentin Dumitru in the 80th minute to score from seven metres. The draw means little for either team as Steaua remain in seventh place with 33 points, six points adrift of second place and a UEFA Cup berth, while Petrolul stay 15th in the table with 19 points, three points away from the 14th place and a play-off against relegation.

Important fixtures
Next week's fixtures include two very important games, in which three teams involved in the struggle for the title will be involved. FC National Bucuresti face UFC Rapid Bucuresti and FCM Bacau go head-to-head with FC Dinamo Bucuresti.